Israeli to Be Deported From Thailand After Zoo Confrontation
Thai authorities have ordered the deportation of an Israeli citizen involved in a dispute with the French manager of a zoo on the island of Koh Samui. The Israeli was convicted of "threatening and causing fear and distress to another person." The Thai Ministry of Interior determined his conduct was detrimental to public order and safety.
The decision follows a district court ruling in Koh Samui that found the Israeli guilty of threatening the life of the owner of the "Samui Exotic Park." The zoo's owner, a French national, had previously expelled and allegedly assaulted a family of Israeli tourists. The court initially sentenced the Israeli to one month in jail and a fine of 10,000 baht. His sentence was halved to 15 days in jail and a 5,000 baht fine after he confessed, with an additional two-year suspended sentence.
The Ministry of Interior cited the Israeli's behavior as contrary to public order, morals, and welfare, leading to the deportation order under the 1956 deportation act. The order was signed on September 4 by the Minister of Interior and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The Israeli has the right to appeal the deportation order to the Prime Minister within seven days of receiving official notification.
Last week, Thailand canceled the Israeli's residency permit as part of a stricter stance against foreign tourists who break laws or cause disturbances. The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, announced the permit cancellation, stating that authorities in the Surat Thani province, which includes Koh Samui, reported the incident to the government. The minister described the decision as a firm step to prevent further escalation and conflict.
The zoo is managed by French national Kevin Dimino and his Thai wife. Dimino had reportedly displayed a Palestinian flag and signs barring Israelis from entering the park. The conflict escalated when videos emerged showing Dimino physically confronting and headbutting an Israeli resident on the island. Dimino claimed he and his family received threats, and his mother's home in France was set on fire. Thai police also investigated a claim that an Israeli offered 500,000 baht for information leading to harm against the park manager.
