Iranian operatives are disguising themselves as tourists in popular Thai destinations like Koh Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket and attempting to lure young Israeli travelers into working for them, according to a report by Israel news site Mako.
These agents have reportedly offered money, parties, and women in exchange for information about Israel.
One Israeli tourist recounted: “There were Iranians at our hotel. Once they heard we were Israeli, they offered us money, parties, and girls, and asked us to tell them what’s going on in Israel. They even asked us to take photos of certain sites and to burn pictures of the prime minister.” The tourists cut contact immediately and moved to a more remote hotel.
Another Israeli traveler told police that an Iranian tourist approached him in Phuket and offered thousands of dollars to photograph sites in Israel. He refused and ended communication. Similar attempts were made through Telegram, with Iranian agents trying to set up meetings with young Israelis in Thailand and Bulgaria. Many recognized the danger and blocked the contacts.
Israeli security agencies and the Counter-Terrorism Bureau have repeatedly warned travelers to be cautious, especially in southern Thailand, where the terror threat level was raised. Seven months ago, a travel advisory urged Israelis to hide visible Jewish or Israeli symbols due to the risk of Iranian terror attacks.
One serious case involved a 16.5-year-old boy from central Israel who was approached in Thailand by Iranian handlers offering money and other temptations to carry out missions inside Israel. Although he was warned by police and security officials, he continued the contact. He was later arrested, charged, and claimed he thought it was just a “game.” He expressed regret, but the case highlights how Iranian operatives target young, vulnerable individuals.
Photo: Supapong Chaolan