French Zoo Manager in Thailand Faces Deportation After Confrontation

Thai authorities have issued a deportation order against Kevin Dimino, the French manager of a zoo on the island of Koh Samui, who had barred Israelis from entering the premises. The order comes three days after authorities also ordered the deportation of the Israeli national with whom Dimino had a physical altercation. Dimino, who co-manages the zoo with his Thai partner, is accused of "threats, harassment, and physical violence" as well as "sowing discord and inciting division on racial and religious grounds."

Dimino, a resident of Thailand for over a decade, has seven days to appeal the deportation decision. The incident began when Dimino displayed a Palestinian flag and signs prohibiting Israelis from entering the park. A confrontation ensued with an Israeli resident of the island, with video footage circulating online showing Dimino attacking and headbutting the Israeli.

The dispute escalated beyond the zoo's gates, with Dimino claiming he and his family received threats and that his mother's house in France was set on fire. Simultaneously, police launched an investigation into allegations that an Israeli offered 500,000 baht for information leading to harm against the zoo manager.

Authorities have since increased security in the area and are considering further actions against those involved. The Israeli national involved in the altercation was convicted of "threatening and causing fear and distress to another person," with the Thai Ministry of Interior determining his conduct harmed public order and safety.