Thai Authorities Deport Israeli National Over Zoo Dispute

Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed a deportation order against Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon, a resident of Koh Samui. The order, reported by Thai media including the Public Broadcasting Service and the Bangkok Post, makes Ohayon the first foreigner to be deported under new regulations that took effect in late August. Ohayon was convicted by the Koh Samui District Court of causing fear or panic through threats. After confessing, his sentence was halved to 15 days of probation for two years and a fine of 5,000 baht (approximately $135 USD).

The Ministry determined Ohayon's behavior was contrary to public order, good morals, and public welfare, justifying his deportation under the 1956 Deportation Act and 2026 regulations. Ohayon has seven days from official notification to appeal directly to the Prime Minister to cancel or postpone the order.

The case gained significant attention following an incident on August 12, when an Israeli couple and their two children were denied entry to the Samui Exotic Park. The park's owner, Jindarat Satayaporn, and her French husband, Kevin Dimino, reportedly displayed a Palestinian flag and a sign prohibiting entry for Israelis. Footage later emerged showing an Israeli flag alongside a shooting target.

Ohayon, a real estate developer and sandwich shop owner who has lived in Koh Samui for five years on a business visa, confronted Dimino over the flag. Thai reports indicate this confrontation escalated into violence. Ohayon was subsequently accused of making threats on Facebook, leading to his arrest by police who set up a roadblock near the park.

The zoo management claims that Israeli visitors had previously refused to pay entrance fees, took food from other visitors, violated rules, and harmed animals, which led to the ban on Israelis and the display of the Palestinian flag. The owner also filed a complaint alleging threats of arson and harm to her family. Concurrently, an investigation was launched into a suspected reward of 500,000 baht offered online for information leading to harm against the owners.

Ohayon's confrontation occurred after the signs and flag incident. Authorities in Surat Thani were also examining measures against the French owner. The Thai Minister of Tourism recently stated the government is taking a firm stance against foreigners causing problems to protect the island's tourism. Ohayon's deportation is pending the outcome of his appeal.