Record-Breaking Israeli Tourism to Thailand Once Again

Israeli tourism to Thailand is breaking records once more.

During the "Festival of Light" event held yesterday (August 27) at the residence of the newly appointed Thailand Ambassador to Israel, Boonyarit Vichiepuntu, record-breaking tourism figures from Israel to Thailand were revealed.

Since the beginning of the year, an unprecedented number of 254,212 Israelis visited the country, a 59% increase compared to the same period last year.

In total, 281,000 Israelis visited the country in 2024, and this year the number is expected to exceed 300,000.

Chef Yariv Malili, Israel's Ambassador to Thailand, and Thailand's Ambassador. Photo: Osnat Guetta

The event was held in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), represented in Israel by the Turnava company. Throughout the evening, colorful Thai dance performances from Bangkok, a musical performance by a Thai band, a Muay Thai demonstration offering a taste of famous Thai martial arts, and a variety of culinary tastings from five leading Thai restaurants in Israel were featured, along with a demonstration of Thai cooking by the chief chef of the embassy.
Also, the chef most associated with Thai cuisine in the country, Yariv Malili, owner of "Thai House" and "Kab Kab," joined hands with the Thai embassy for several months of culinary collaboration, even responsible for part of the food served yesterday.

Photo: Yossi Sova

Elegance in Every Bite. Photo: Osnat Guetta

Photo: Osnat Guetta

The event was attended by leading figures in Israel's tourism community, members of the "Sawadee Club", the community of Thailand lovers in Israel, incoming Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Dr. Alona Fisher-Kamm, who received a private tour of the ambassador's residence by the ambassador himself, Thai chef Sawalie Elder, influencers, and media professionals.

During the evening, the Thailand Ambassador presented a special certificate of appreciation to Dov Kalmann, the Thailand Tourism Authority's representative in Israel for 25 years, who is retiring this year and will be replaced by Imri Kalmann, and also thanked him, with emotion, for his contributions to both countries.
The incoming ambassador stressed in his speech at the start of the event how important the relationship between Israel and Thailand is, emphasizing the friendship and love between the two countries and the importance of maintaining this relationship long-term.

Dov and Imri Kalman. Photo: Yossi Sova

Imri Kalmann, CEO of Ternova representing the Thailand Tourism Authority: "Thailand is no longer just a favorite vacation destination for Israelis but a second home for us. The choice of the Thailand Ambassador to open his residence to tourism professionals and Thailand enthusiasts delivered this message powerfully. In the coming years, we will focus together on expanding awareness of additional destinations in Thailand, such as the royal family's vacation city Hua Hin, the attractions, festivals, and developed beaches around Pattaya, and the ancient capitals of Thailand, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya."