Thai Authorities Order Deportation of Israeli Man After Zoo Dispute

Thai authorities have ordered the deportation of an Israeli citizen following a dispute with the owner of the Samui Exotic Park on the island of Koh Samui. The Israeli national was found guilty of making threats and causing fear and distress to another person, actions deemed to be disruptive to public order. The decision by Thailand's Ministry of Interior came after a local court convicted him of threatening to kill the zoo's owner, whose French husband had previously barred an Israeli tourist family from entering the park.

Initially, the Israeli man was sentenced to one month in jail and fined 10,000 baht. Upon admitting guilt, his sentence was halved to 15 days imprisonment and a 5,000 baht fine, with an additional two-year suspended sentence. The Ministry of Interior then ruled that his behavior was contrary to public order and well-being, leading to the deportation order. His visa was revoked on August 26, 2026, and the deportation order was signed on September 4, 2026. He has seven days to appeal the decision.

The incident stems from a conflict that escalated in July 2026 when the zoo, managed by French national Kevin Dimino and his Thai wife, displayed a Palestinian flag and signs prohibiting entry to Israelis. Dimino claimed this was due to past negative experiences with Israeli tourists, not political reasons. However, social media posts from the zoo indicated a ban on Israeli citizens.

In August 2026, an Israeli family reported being denied entry after identifying themselves as Israeli. According to the family, a zoo employee initially refused them entry, and when they persisted, another employee allegedly insulted the father and pushed him, leading to a wider altercation. Dimino subsequently claimed he and his family were threatened, and his mother's home in France was set on fire. Thai police investigated a report that the Israeli man offered a reward for information to harm Dimino.

Thai authorities have stated they take action against specific offenders regardless of nationality and are not holding entire nationalities responsible. The Minister of Tourism had previously warned that foreigners violating Thai laws or provoking conflicts could face visa cancellations and deportation. No measures have yet been announced against Dimino, despite video evidence reportedly showing him assaulting the Israeli tourist and his continued public ban on Israelis.