Batal Saranga is 22 years old, speaks three languages, and carries two national identities. Born and raised on the Thai island of Koh Samui to Israeli parents, she navigates daily life at the crossroads of Thai and Israeli culture — a living bridge between two worlds that rarely overlap.
From Honeymoon to a New Life#
Batal’s story begins with her parents, who lived in central Israel before traveling to Thailand 27 years ago for their honeymoon. They fell in love with the slower pace of life, the beautiful beaches, and the warmth of what’s often called the “Land of Smiles” — and decided to stay.
“There’s much less pressure in Thailand, beautiful landscapes and beaches,” Batal told mako. A year after settling, her parents opened one of the first Israeli restaurants on the island, recognizing the growing demand from Israeli tourists. That restaurant operated successfully for many years until 2019.
Genesis Bakery: Kosher Baking in Koh Samui#
Today the family runs Genesis Bakery, a kosher bakery located near the Chabad House in Koh Samui. Batal spends most of her mornings there, where the family bakes everything fresh — baguettes, croissants, pitas, and rolls — alongside homemade cheeses and jams, all kosher.
The bakery serves both local residents and the steady stream of Israeli tourists who pass through the island, offering a taste of home thousands of kilometers from Israel.
Three Languages, Three Worlds#
Growing up between cultures gave Batal fluency in three languages, each serving a different purpose. She uses Hebrew at work and when speaking with family or visiting Israelis. English is for her international social life and social media. Thai is her everyday language — how she communicates with local friends and coworkers.
“It’s a language that’s part of me thanks to my family,” she says of Hebrew. The trilingual juggling act reflects the broader reality of her life: constantly switching between cultural contexts without fully belonging to just one.
“I See Myself as Both Thai and Israeli”#
Despite never having lived in Israel, Batal identifies strongly with her Jewish and Israeli heritage. “At home we celebrated Jewish holidays, but outside there were Thai celebrations,” she explains. “As a daughter of Israeli parents, I absolutely see myself as part of the Jewish people.”
She has visited Israel twice so far and is planning a third trip. Her impressions capture the contrasts that many Israelis take for granted. She was struck by the high cost of living, the constant honking on the roads, and the general sense of pressure — things that feel foreign to someone raised on a tropical island.
But she also experienced deeply meaningful moments. “When I was in Israel during Yom Kippur, I was incredibly moved to see how everything stops for one day — everyone sitting and playing in the streets, people pausing their entire lives for 24 hours.”
Surprise on Both Sides#
Batal’s dual identity consistently surprises people. Thai locals who don’t know her are shocked when she speaks, since she looks Thai but sounds Israeli. When she adds that she’s also Israeli, their surprise doubles — though always in a positive way.
From the Israeli side, tourists can’t believe that this Thai-looking young woman is also one of them. “They always get excited when I speak Hebrew,” she says.
A Message to Israeli Tourists#
Batal has a request for Israelis visiting Thailand: “Be respectful. Don’t shout in public places. Ask for things politely.” She notes that Thai locals generally love Israelis and the feeling is mutual, but cultural differences need to be respected.
She also has a culinary recommendation: step beyond the default pad thai. She suggests trying Larb Gai — a spicy minced chicken salad that’s one of Thailand’s most popular and classic dishes but often overlooked by tourists. She also recommends Yam Mamuang, a spicy mango salad that works as a tangy-hot side dish. “People get addicted to it easily,” she says.
Source: mako
