Thai police on high alert as Mossad confirms terror plot targeting Israeli tourists
Nov 15 Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island in Thailand
Israeli spy agency Mossad confirmed Tuesday (Nov. 12) that there was a credible threat of a plot to target Israeli tourists in Thailand. Earlier, Thailand police sounded an alarm following an internal warning that Israeli tourists may be targeted in a potential terror attack.
The warning came just ahead of the Nov. 15 Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island, an event popular among young Israelis. Ynet news agency reported that Thai police have intensified operations over the past days in the wake of alert and credible information hinting at a plot against tens of thousands of Israelis.
“Following recent information and the increasing fear of an attack on Israelis and Jews across Thailand, the National Security Council (NSC) urges Israelis in Thailand to heighten their alertness and heed updates," the warning message said.
The NSC advised people against flaunting their Israeli or Jewish identity in public and sharing travel plans on social media. The warning message, meanwhile, asked people to stay away from Israeli community events and to share information with local authorities about any suspicious activities.
The Full Moon gatherings are all-night beach parties held in Thailand since 1985. The event is highly popular among Israeli youth and before the COVID-19 pandemic, these parties would see participation of over half a million visitors annually.
The Thai terror plot is uncovered weeks after a similar alert was issued for Israeli tourists visiting the South Asian island nation of Sri Lanka. Israel’s national security council in October had called on Israelis to leave the country immediately. Three suspects, all allegedly linked to Iran, were later arrested in the Sri Lanka plot case.
The recent warning for Israeli tourists in Thailand comes after a pro-Palestinian mob attacked dozens of Israelis in Amsterdam who had gone there to attend a soccer match of an Israeli team on November 7 and 8 nights.
(With inputs from agencies)