Israeli Family Denied Entry and Assaulted at Thai Zoo Over Nationality

A family from Israel was reportedly denied entry to Samui Exotic Park in Koh Samui, Thailand, after revealing their nationality. Moran and Naveh, residents of Rosh HaAyin, visited the park with their two young daughters during a family vacation. According to Moran, after stating they were from Israel, park staff told them Israelis were not allowed to enter. When the family tried to persuade the staff to let them in, another employee was called over. The family alleges this employee verbally abused the father and then headbutted him in the neck. During the confrontation, which occurred in front of their children aged 6 and 9, a placard was also thrown at them. Moran described how the family attempted to leave while the daughters were visibly frightened, and she herself broke down in tears after leaving the zoo.

This incident follows a previous event in late July when the park owners claimed they received threats from an Israeli tourist after displaying a Palestinian flag and a "Free Palestine" sign. The owners said they subsequently faced a campaign of negative reviews online. A response on the park’s social media account stated, "YES NO ISRAEL IN MY PARK IS CLEAR LIKE THAT," which was later explained as a policy based on past behavior of Israeli visitors rather than political motives. After the recent reports in Israel, the park’s social media featured additional content opposing Israeli visitors, including a sign with an Israeli flag marked "No Entry" alongside a target symbol.

The Koh Samui tourism police are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident. The case has drawn attention due to the alleged discrimination and physical assault against the Israeli family during their vacation in Thailand.