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Israeli tourist arrested in Thailand after ammunition found in luggage

The 26-year-old faces a possible penalty of one to 10 years in prison.

Phuket International Airport in southern Thailand, Oct.. 3, 2024. Credit: Infantpo via Wikimedia Commons.
Phuket International Airport in southern Thailand, Oct.. 3, 2024. Credit: Infantpo via Wikimedia Commons.

An Israeli tourist was arrested at a Thai airport on Thursday after security officers discovered a magazine containing 29 bullets in his luggage.

The 26-year-old, whose name was not released, was apprehended after the 5.56 mm rounds were detected during a baggage scan at Phuket International Airport where he was preparing to board a domestic flight.

He was charged with illegal possession of ammunition, which carries a penalty of one to 10 years in prison and a fine of $62-$620, according to Thai media.

The incident come a day after a young Israeli couple was arrested on the Thai island of Koh Phangan after being filmed having sex in broad daylight at a popular waterfall, prompting outrage among locals and tourists.

“The majority of Israeli tourists are good tourists who love traveling to Thailand,” Israeli Ambassador to Bangkok Alona Fisher-Kamm said on Nov. 4. “Only a small minority behave inappropriately or break the law, and we fully support Thai authorities taking legal action as they would with any other nationality.”

Thailand is a top destination for young Israeli tourists.

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