A video clip of a woman, identified to be an Israeli citizen, has sparked widespread backlash after she refused to respect the rules of a local restaurant on Koh Pangan.
In a Khaosod English post, the tourist in question refused to follow the restaurant’s rule on removing her shoes before entering the premises. The female Israeli was told by a Thai restaurant staff that she was not welcome at the restaurant, only to be told “but my money, okay, builds your country”.
The clip, initially shared on Turkish public broadcaster TRT World on May 5, has gone viral and has attracted criticisms.
In a statement, the Israeli tourist posted a message in Hebrew that her quote was taken out of context as she only meant that her money “helps build” Thailand.