Crisis in Pai: Police sound the alarm about tourist problems!

Crisis in Pai: Police sound the alarm about tourist problems!

In the picturesque town of Pai, Mae Hong Son Province, the high number of Israeli tourists is causing mixed feelings. While some see the increase in visitors as an economic opportunity, others raise concerns about inappropriate behavior and disruption. According to Chiang Mai News, พล.ต.ต.โอฬาร เอี่ยมประภาส, the commander of Police Directorate 2, is leading along with officers Immigration and local police are conducting a review to address these issues.

In particular, the harassment of locals through noise-making, vandalism and other violations of the law has caused concern in the region. According to residents, these incidents highlight a growing gap between local culture and the behavior of some foreign guests. Many of Israel's tourists, often backpackers, have a preference for alternative destinations in Thailand, which has caused tensions in the past, particularly through disregard for laws and local customs.

Preserve traditions

On November 4, 2025, several cultural events will be held in conjunction with the Loy Krathong Festival. A blanket-making ceremony for Doi Kong Mu Temple will be held in Mae Hong Son, organized by the deputy governor and other local officials. This event celebrates the creative patterns of the Tai Yai ethnic group and aims to preserve local traditions, as reported by Chiang Mai News.

At the same time, a ceremony honoring the Yom River is held in Phrae. The governor of Phrae and the mayor attend the event, which also includes the release of fish into the river. This ceremony aims to highlight the importance of water to the local community and bring culture to the forefront during the festival.

Tourism and its challenges

Thailand's tourism development has attracted quite a bit of attention in recent years. Before the pandemic, tourism contributed around 20 percent of the country's gross domestic product, as Thailand Magazin explains. However, mass tourism also brings challenges: overcrowding, waste and environmental damage are just some of the problems that cannot be ignored. To address these concerns, the Thai government plans to reduce mass tourism and operate more sustainably.

Tourism is expected to recover in 2024 with around 35 million international visitors. The immigration authority has already recorded 221,776 foreign tourists in Pai in 2024, including 31,735 from Israel. Many of them are former or active soldiers who have discovered Thailand as an ideal holiday destination. Despite this, locals complain about increasing harassment and the negative impact on their community. Security and economic balance in the region will be important, taking into account both the needs of locals and tourist attraction.

Regional authorities and security forces have already investigated the allegations but have not yet found any substantial evidence of the problems. While concerns about a permanent Israeli community in Pai are present, the region largely remains in the national park, making it difficult for foreigners to acquire land. This could help prevent tensions from rising further.

The challenge now is how the Thai government and local people can work together to better manage these burgeoning tourism issues. A balanced ratio would not only be important in the interests of the locals, but also for a sustainable future of tourism in Thailand.