Phuket shop owner says Israeli tourist demanded removal of Palestinian flag

2026-03-11 - 06:24

PHUKET — A shop owner in southern Phuket has spoken out after a viral video showing an argument with an Israeli tourist sparked heated debate on Thai social media. The clip, widely shared online, shows the shop owner telling the tourist to leave the premises and declaring that he would not sell to him, prompting thousands of comments and discussions among netizens. In a statement addressing the controversy, the shop owner said he wanted the issue to end quickly and did not want the situation to escalate into a wider conflict. According to the owner, the tourist seen in the video approached the front of the shop and allegedly tried to pressure him to remove a Palestinian flag displayed inside the premises. The owner said the tourist’s behaviour appeared threatening and disruptive. He added that similar incidents had occurred several times before, claiming the same individual had caused disturbances on about five previous occasions. The shop owner said the confrontation happened while he was observing the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. “As a shop owner and a Muslim, I felt angry because I saw it as disrespecting my rights and my faith within my own space,” he said, explaining that he then asked the tourist to leave the shop, as seen in the video. However, he stressed that because it is Ramadan — an important period for Muslims — he has chosen to end the dispute and focus on doing good according to his religious beliefs. The owner also thanked members of the public who understood his personal rights and stance, while emphasising that he does not want the incident to be further amplified or cause division in society.