Thai Zoo Owners Report Threats After Expelling Israeli Visitors

The couple managing Samui Exotic Park in Koh Samui, Thailand, reported receiving threats after expelling Israeli tourists from their zoo. Jindarat, the park owner, and her French husband filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok, claiming they were threatened with physical harm, arson against their home, and the zoo itself. The threats reportedly included messages warning to burn down their property and harm their family. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the threat senders or verified the claims.

Jindarat explained that the decision to ban the Israeli group followed their "behavioral incidents," and the couple raised a Palestinian flag at the entrance as a protective measure for their business, staff, and animals, not to provoke any nationality. She also noted suspicious activity involving a vehicle repeatedly parking near their home, though no direct link to the threats was established.

Following the incident, local Thai and foreign residents expressed support for the couple. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Thai authorities might revoke the visas of Jindarat's husband and another Israeli involved, but no official confirmation or investigation results have been released. The couple has documented the confrontation with the Israeli visitors and is willing to share the footage with authorities.

Separately, the Thai civic group "Impatient Thais" sent a letter to the Israeli embassy in Bangkok citing complaints about Israeli tourists and residents in several Thai locations, including Phuket and Koh Samui. The complaints involved alleged threats, harassment, and social and business conflicts. The group urged the embassy to promote respect for Thai laws and customs among Israelis and to cooperate with Thai authorities in addressing any legal violations by Israelis.