'My money builds your country,' Israeli woman refuses to remove shoes in Thailand restaurant

An Israeli woman sparked a storm of controversy after refusing to remove her shoes before entering a restaurant on the Thai island of Koh Pha Ngan, triggering a viral backlash and police involvement.

The confrontation, which took place on May 5, came to light after the Koh Pha Ngan Conscious Community Facebook page shared a 15-second video clip capturing the heated exchange.

The clip shows the woman arguing with restaurant staff who politely requested that she follow local custom and remove her shoes before entering the premises.

Visibly upset, the tourist snapped, declaring, “My money builds your country!” and claimed that Israeli tourism was a major contributor to Thailand’s economy. The restaurant owner responded firmly, saying, “You are not welcome here!” before asking her to leave.

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The video, complete with subtitles, quickly went viral, drawing swift criticism from both Thai citizens and international viewers. Many condemned the woman’s behavior as disrespectful and emblematic of tourist entitlement.

The café owner reportedly notified local police, though no charges have been filed.

In the wake of the backlash, the woman attempted to defend herself, releasing a lengthy statement on social media.

She claimed the incident was taken out of context and accused online critics of harboring anti-Israeli sentiment. Her remarks, however, failed to quell the outrage.

The controversy has reignited debates around cultural respect, tourism etiquette, and the impact of foreign visitors on Thai communities.

Removing shoes before entering homes, temples, and some businesses is a widely observed tradition in Thailand — one that many locals consider a basic sign of respect.