Beware the other Pandora’s box from the war against Iran
2026-03-26 - 11:21
Both antisemitism and Islamophobia are spreading across the West as the escalation of conflict in the Middle East—triggered by the US and Israeli strikes against Iran—enters its second month this weekend. Monitoring groups have reported sharp spikes in hate crimes, vandalism, and online incitement immediately following the outbreak of hostilities in late February 2026. The most visible incident in the United Kingdom was this week’s arson attack on four Jewish volunteer ambulances in North London. A group with alleged links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has claimed responsibility. Last Friday, 20 March, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was subjected to a hostile reception, resulting in him being escorted from the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney—Australia’s largest—during a visit for Eid al-Fitr prayers. Reports indicate the prime minister was heckled with derogatory slurs, including being called a “putrid dog.” Meanwhile, in “Londonistan”—a derogatory term suggesting the British capital has become a hub for extremism—Islamophobia is similarly on the rise. These incidents are ticking time bombs of mutual hatred, waiting to explode. Thailand would be well-advised to avoid importing such vitriol into the Kingdom. While the Thai government maintains a neutral stance, some citizens on social media have become increasingly partisan and rabid. Last week, I observed a Thai healthcare worker based in the US disparaging Thai students who were evacuated from Iran. Her condescending remarks questioned why on earth any Thai would study anything other than Islam in Iran, ignoring the academic pursuits of those enrolled in political science and other fields there. Many rightly continue to blame Tehran for attacks against the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree, which left three crew members missing. This sentiment remains high despite Iran’s permission this week for two other Thai vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Unfortunately, anti-Iranian sentiment is being conflated with anti-Muslim bias, fuelled by the protracted violence in Thailand’s Deep South. This ‘imported’ hatred is a two-way street. While Islamophobia rises on one side, anti-Jewish sentiment is hardening on the other, catalyzed by the US-backed Israeli campaign. This geopolitical friction is manifesting in unexpected ways—even in our hospitality sector. A viral post from Phuket recently highlighted a sharp spike in tensions between local staff and Israeli visitors. While some dismiss these as routine service disputes, the timing suggests a more toxic undercurrent: when global wars dehumanize ‘the other,’ every interaction—from a hotel check-in to a restaurant bill—becomes a potential flashpoint for prejudice. What used to be a complaint about a ‘difficult tourist’ is now being reframed through the lens of wartime vitriol. The global energy crisis is already delivering a major blow to the world economy. Thailand cannot afford to exacerbate this economic pain by importing Islamophobia or antisemitism – or both. I understand those who are disturbed by the aggression in the Middle East. Citizens have the right to be concerned or angry. However, we must not turn political dissent into blind hatred. We must remember that there are voices of dissent within all these nations; not every American, Israeli, or Iranian supports the actions of their respective governments. It may be difficult to resist equating all Israelis with the Netanyahu government, all Americans with the Trump administration, or all Iranians with the Islamic Republic’s government, but we must. The alternative is a descent into the abyss of prejudice. Thailand is home to a substantial Muslim population, welcomed over 400,000 Israeli tourists last year, and depends heavily on American trade and investment. Iran has been our friends since it was known as Persia for four centuries and had left cultural marks on Thai culture. These are not abstract relationships—they are economic, social, cultural, and deeply interconnected. Simply put, Thailand cannot afford the importation of hatred. The breakdown in relations between Thais and Cambodians offers a sobering lesson: once hostility takes root, it hardens, disrupting trade, eroding trust, and damaging both societies. This is how prejudice metastasises—quietly at first, then all at once. Opening one Pandora’s box was reckless enough. We should not open another.