Israeli tourists have been banned from backpacker destinations after allegedly clashing with the locals in northern Thailand.

The holidaymakers sparked worry among residents following a spate of unruly behaviour in the quiet district of Pai in mountainous Mae Hong Son province.

CCTV footage shows several intoxicated Israeli visitors loitering outside a roadside restaurant before being driven away by the female restaurant owner.

She said: 'Living in fear of these people's behaviour. Every Tuesday and Friday, from what I've observed, we have to close the shop early. Feeling unsafe. There are only two of us women. What should we do next? How to plan for business and safety? Feeling very uncomfortable at this time.'

Establishments in the area have also put up signs banning Israeli tourists from entering.

The anti-Israeli sentiments began after a group of four backpackers - identified by police as Daniel Gagaev, 24, Aviv Rom, 26, Or Emanoel Ashton, 25, and Dan Nisko, 25 - barged into the Pai Hospital and allegedly disrupted operations.

They reportedly broke into the emergency room and disturbed nurses who were tending to an injured motorcycle crash victim. They were said to have cursed at the doctors and also destroyed hospital property.

Police Colonel Songkrit Ontakrai, acting commander of the provincial police, said: ‘They were friends of the injured victim whom the doctors were treating.

‘They tried to enter the emergency room despite staff asking them to stop. They refused to listen and continued to be rowdy, repeatedly attempting to enter the emergency room and causing a disturbance.

‘Moreover, they acted inappropriately by insulting medical staff and pointing at their faces.

‘After they were arrested and taken to the Pai Police Station, we coordinated with the Tourist Police and Immigration Bureau for further investigation. They admitted to their wrongdoings, claiming they only wanted to check on their friend.'

Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyaluck, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said the tourists had their visas revoked and were deported.

However, residents claimed there were still Israeli tourists living illegally in the province.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wichai Panna of the provincial Immigration Police said: ‘As for this matter, we have acknowledged it and are contacting Pai Police Station to search for the tourists in the video for questioning.'

In 2024, Pai district saw 221,776 tourists, 31,735 of which were from Israeli.

Authorities estimated that around 2,000 to 3,000 Israeli tourists are currently staying in the Pai district.