Thai Zoo Owners Report Threats After Expelling Israeli Tourists

The couple managing Samui Exotic Park in Koh Samui, Thailand, reported receiving threats after expelling Israeli visitors from their zoo. Jindarat, the park owner, accompanied by her French husband who manages the zoo, filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok. They claimed that Israelis threatened to harm them, set their home on fire, and burn down the zoo. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the threat senders or verified the claims.

Jindarat also noted suspicious activity involving a vehicle repeatedly parking near their home, which heightened their concerns, though no direct link to the threats has been established. Following the incident, local Thai and foreign residents offered support to the couple. The owners said they raised a Palestinian flag at the zoo entrance and refused entry to the Israeli group to protect their business, staff, and animals, emphasizing the decision was not meant to provoke any nationality.

Reports indicate Thai authorities might consider revoking the visas of Jindarat's husband and another Israeli involved, but no official confirmation has been given. Their lawyer stated that any visa cancellation would require a thorough investigation first. The husband’s confrontation with an Israeli at a local business was recorded from start to finish, and the couple is willing to share this 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 awareness among Israelis about respecting Thai laws and customs and to cooperate with authorities in investigating suspected legal violations by Israelis.