KOH SAMUI, THAILAND (VINnews)- Three Israeli tourists were reportedly chased and brutally attacked at a local bar on the popular Thai island of Koh Samui late Monday night or early Tuesday morning, with two of the victims sustaining serious injuries requiring hospitalization.

According to multiple reports from Hebrew media outlets and eyewitness accounts shared on social media, the incident unfolded when a group of tourists—described in some testimonies as French citizens of Arab or North African origin—overheard the three Israelis speaking Hebrew while seated at the venue. The attackers allegedly confronted the group, identifying them as Israelis, before escalating the situation into physical violence.

Witness statements indicate that the Israelis attempted to flee the harassment by retreating to the bar’s restroom. The assailants reportedly forced their way in, dragged at least one victim out, and demanded they empty their pockets in what appeared to be an attempted robbery amid the assault. The violence intensified when venue security personnel allegedly intervened on the side of the attackers, joining in the beating and using batons against the victims.

The three tourists, said to be in their 20s and including a father and his son in some accounts, suffered severe blows to the ribs and body. Two were taken to a local hospital for treatment of significant injuries, while details on the third individual’s condition remain unclear from initial reports.

The attack has been widely described in Israeli and Jewish advocacy circles as having a suspected antisemitic or nationalist motive, given that the victims were targeted after being identified through their use of Hebrew. Organizations such as StandWithUs and the Combat Antisemitism Movement highlighted the incident on social media, expressing alarm over the targeting of individuals based on language and perceived nationality.

Thai police reportedly arrived at the scene following the altercation, but accounts suggest the response focused on advising the victims against publicizing the incident rather than immediate pursuit of the perpetrators. No official statement from Thai authorities has been widely reported as of Tuesday afternoon, and the nationalities or identities of the attackers have not been independently confirmed by law enforcement.

Koh Samui, a renowned tourist destination known for its beaches and nightlife, attracts visitors from around the world, including a notable number of Israeli travelers. Incidents of this nature are rare in Thailand, which generally maintains a reputation for hospitality toward tourists. However, the event has prompted discussions online about rising global tensions spilling over into travel destinations.

This developing story is based on preliminary media reports and social media testimonies. Further details, including any official investigation outcomes or arrests, are awaited as authorities in Thailand review the incident. The victims’ identities have not been publicly released.