Thai Zoo Manager Deported for Barring Israelis, Assaulting Family

Thai authorities have ordered the deportation of Kevin Dimino, a French national managing a zoo on the island of Koh Samui, following a severe conflict involving Israeli tourists. The deportation decree, signed by the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, cites Dimino's actions of displaying a Palestinian flag and posting signs prohibiting entry to Israelis as reasons for the order. He is also accused of sowing discord and inciting racial and religious hatred.

The situation escalated dramatically after Dimino allegedly headbutted an Israeli father in front of his young daughters and expelled the family from the park upon learning of their nationality. The Israeli tourists, Moran and Naveh, from Rosh Ha'ayin, were visiting the park with their two daughters, aged 6 and 9, when they encountered aggression, with objects reportedly thrown at them as they left.

Dimino further inflamed the situation on social media by posting a video of an Israeli flag under a "No Entry" sign, mistakenly identifying a Palestinian flag as Jordanian. While Thai authorities considered visa cancellations and deportations for all involved, including the Israeli who confronted zoo management, they ultimately took firm action against Dimino for his anti-Israeli conduct and violence within the zoo premises. Dimino had claimed to have received threats and that his mother's house in France was set on fire, but these claims did not prevent his deportation.

This incident occurred on September 7, 2026.