Israeli Ambassador Meets Chiang Mai Officials to Discuss Tourism and Labor Cooperation

On September 17, 2026, Dr. Orna Sagiv, the Israeli Ambassador to Thailand, held a meeting with Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Siwakorn Buapong at the Chiang Mai Provincial Hall. The discussion focused on fostering bilateral cooperation across several sectors, including tourism, education, agriculture, cybersecurity, and border security.

For travelers and residents, the meeting underscores Chiang Mai’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safety standards for international visitors. Deputy Governor Siwakorn emphasized that the province is fully prepared to facilitate and ensure the security of tourists from all nations. This diplomatic engagement suggests a continued effort to keep Chiang Mai as a welcoming and secure destination for global travelers.

Regarding labor relations, Ambassador Sagiv noted that approximately 65,000 Thai workers are currently employed in Israel. Despite regional tensions in the Middle East, the Ambassador stated that the number of Thai workers in the country continues to rise and affirmed that they are being well-cared for. Furthermore, Israel has increased its annual quota for Thai agricultural workers from 16,000 to 18,000. While the meeting highlights a positive diplomatic trajectory, specific details regarding new tourism initiatives or technological partnerships resulting from these talks remain to be confirmed as both parties continue their collaborative efforts.