Sonthi Limthongkul led supporters from the "Reclaim Thailand" group in a protest at the Israeli Embassy, demanding solutions to the problem of foreign capital dominating real estate. He declined a private meeting with the Israeli ambassador and urged the government to resolve issues caused by tourists settling and causing distress.
At 09:00 on 10 Sep 2026, in front of Ocean Tower 2 on Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke), the site of the Israeli Embassy, a lively crowd gathered under the "Reclaim Thailand" banner. Leading the group were Sonthi Limthongkul, Panthhep Puapongpan, Nitithorn Lamluea, and Phichit Chaimongkol, joined by key network leaders and many citizens, including activist Sai Samut (Siranut Samut).
The gathering aimed to submit a letter demanding crackdown and resolution of foreign capital controlling real estate in Thailand, including the use of Thai nominees, to protect Thai sovereignty, national interests, and domestic businesses.
Sai Samut stated she had just returned from the United States at 4 a.m. and joined the protest because it is time for Thai people to unite and "take back our country from the government." She criticized current government management for diminishing Thai people's dignity, saying Thailand no longer feels like a Thai nation. She blamed the free visa policy for allowing tourists to covertly settle and do business in Thailand, mistreating locals without government protection.
In an interview, Sai compared the current national situation to the frightening and worrisome period before the fall of Ayutthaya. She firmly identified as "non-partisan" and pledged to oppose anyone disrespecting laws and others, regardless of nationality.
Sai added that Thailand has never been colonized before, but now faces a new form of colonialism through tourism. She called on Thai people to defend their dignity and urged the government and all relevant agencies to courageously uphold sovereignty, protect national interests, and genuinely care about the people's feelings and hardships.
Around 10:15, Sonthi took the stage to update that the Israeli Embassy had informed them no staff were working today, but the ambassador was willing to meet Sonthi privately at a later time. Sonthi declined, saying this movement represents the entire Thai population and should not be negotiated privately.
Sonthi then read an open letter to the Israeli Embassy in both English and Thai, emphasizing the purpose of submitting the letter was to demand the embassy and government take concrete actions rather than merely following diplomatic formalities.
The letter highlighted issues caused by some Israeli tourists and residents in Thailand, including community disturbances, law violations, disrespect for Thai customs, fraud, and refusal to pay for services. These repeated incidents have exhausted many communities, prompting calls for serious regulation.
In a subsequent interview, Sonthi confirmed he had no concerns about this protest. He suggested the government should be more worried because if it continues to favor big capital, public dissatisfaction will grow. He plans next to submit complaints about gray Chinese capital and continue campaigning in several provinces including Chonburi, Chanthaburi, and Khon Kaen.
Attention will focus on 14 September when the Election Commission (EC) will decide whether to indict defendants in the "Senate vote-rigging" case at the Supreme Court's election division. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, further gatherings may be organized.
When asked what message he had for the Prime Minister, Sonthi said he would not leave a message, noting that the Prime Minister is a smart person.