French Zoo Director Expelled From Thailand Over Anti-Israel Policies
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Thai authorities ordered the expulsion of Kevin Dimino, the French director of the Samui Exotic Park, for displaying anti-Israel signs and fostering racial and religious divisions. The decision followed an incident where an Israeli family was denied entry, leading to confrontations and legal actions against both Dimino and an Israeli resident.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- French zoo director Kevin Dimino expelled from Thailand for anti-Israel policies.
- Incidents included barring Israelis and displaying a Palestinian flag.
- Dimino accused of aggressive behavior and creating racial/religious divisions.
- An Israeli resident was also arrested and convicted for threats.
- Thailand is tightening rules against foreigners disrupting public order.
Thai authorities have ordered the expulsion of Kevin Dimino, the French director of a wildlife park on the island of Koh Samui, following several incidents including the display of signs barring Israeli visitors and the flying of a Palestinian flag. According to the expulsion order, Dimino is also accused of threatening and aggressive behavior, physical assault, and disturbing public order. Thai officials stated that his actions created "serious divisions of a racial and religious nature," including among tourists, and that his conduct harms public order, morality, and general welfare.
The case originated on August 12 at the Samui Exotic Park when an Israeli couple and their children were denied entry after staff overheard them speaking Hebrew. Reports indicate that Dimino and the park's owner, Jindarat Stiaphon, had posted a Palestinian flag and a sign prohibiting Israelis from entering. Images later surfaced showing an Israeli flag placed next to a shooting target.
Following the incident, Israeli resident Yaakov Ohayon confronted the park owner. Thai authorities reported that Ohayon subsequently posted threats on Facebook and was arrested. He was convicted of causing fear and panic through threats and received a 15-day suspended prison sentence, a two-year probation, and a 5,000 baht fine (approximately $125 USD). Ohayon was the first foreigner targeted under Thailand's new expulsion regulations, which took effect in late August, giving him seven days to appeal.
The expulsion of Dimino and the legal action against Ohayon reflect a broader effort by Bangkok to tighten measures against foreigners involved in incidents that disrupt public order or damage the tourist image of locations like Koh Samui.
Mentioned
