Thailand Orders Deportation of Israeli Man After Zoo Altercation

Thai immigration authorities have ordered the deportation of an Israeli citizen involved in a violent altercation with the French manager of a zoo on the island of Koh Samui. The deportation order, signed on September 4 by Interior Minister and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, cited the Israeli's conduct as detrimental to public order and safety, in accordance with the 1956 deportation law. The Israeli national has the right to appeal the decision to the Prime Minister within seven days of receiving the notice.

This decision follows a ruling by the Koh Samui District Court, which found the Israeli guilty of threats and causing fear and distress to another person. The Israeli admitted to threatening the zoo manager's wife, which led to a reduced sentence of 15 days imprisonment, a fine of 5,000 baht, and a two-year suspended sentence.

Last week, the Thai government had already canceled his residency permit, reflecting a firm stance against foreign tourists who violate laws or engage in confrontations. The initial conflict erupted when the French park manager, Kevin Dimino, displayed a Palestinian flag and signs barring Israelis, and allegedly assaulted an Israeli tourist family. The dispute escalated with Dimino claiming he received threats and that his mother's home in France was set on fire. Police investigated suspicions that a sum of 500,000 baht was offered for an attack on Dimino, prompting authorities to provide security and take strict measures against those involved.