Israeli ambassador meets Chiang Mai deputy governor for talks

CHIANG MAI — 17 September 2026, Israel’s ambassador to Thailand met Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Siwakorn Buapong on Thursday to discuss cooperation in tourism, education, technology, agriculture and Thai workers in Israel.

Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm, Israeli ambassador to Thailand, met Siwakorn at the Chiang Mai Provincial Hall, where she was welcomed by provincial officials and Chiang Mai tourist police.

The meeting covered potential cooperation in several areas, including the economy, academic exchanges, tourism, border security, technology, agriculture and cybersecurity.

Siwakorn said Chiang Mai attracts visitors from around the world and that local authorities are prepared to provide security and assistance to tourists and foreigners of all nationalities.

He also said Chiang Mai was willing to promote cooperation with Israel across various fields.

Fisher-Kamm said around 65,000 Thai workers are currently employed in Israel. Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the number of Thai workers in Israel has continued to increase, she said, adding that Thai workers there were being looked after and were safe.

Israel has also increased its annual quota for Thai agricultural workers from 16,000 to 18,000, according to the ambassador.

However, some employment arrangements are currently based on business-to-business (B2B) cooperation rather than a government-to-government (G2G) agreement.

Fisher-Kamm said a future G2G agreement could provide greater support and facilitate arrangements for Thai workers in Israel.

The ambassador also thanked Chiang Mai authorities for providing assistance and facilities to Israeli visitors and residents.

She noted that the Israeli community in Chiang Mai regularly gathers on Fridays and expressed hope that cooperation between Israel and Chiang Mai could be expanded across different areas, particularly tourism.

Both sides said stronger cooperation could help promote closer ties and mutual exchanges between the two sides.