Thailand Cancels Israeli Tourist Visa Amid Samui Exotic Park Controversy
Thailand has revoked the residency visa of an Israeli citizen involved in a dispute surrounding the Samui Exotic Park on Koh Samui island. The case includes allegations of a 500,000 baht reward offered for information leading to harm against the park's French manager, Kevin Dimino. The decision was announced by Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Panchanawarkul, ahead of a government meeting in Bangkok. Authorities in Surat Thani province, which includes Koh Samui, reported the incident, prompting the visa cancellation and barring the Israeli from remaining in the country. The minister described the move as a firm step to prevent further escalation and conflicts.
The controversy began when Dimino, who manages the zoo with his Thai wife, displayed a Palestinian flag and signs barring Israelis from entering the park. A confrontation ensued with an Israeli resident of the island, with videos surfacing showing Dimino physically attacking the Israeli. Dimino claimed he and his family received threats, including an arson attack on his mother's home in France. Concurrently, police launched an investigation into the claim that an Israeli offered a large sum for information to harm Dimino. Security measures were increased around the area as authorities considered actions against those involved.
This incident follows a recent tough stance by the Thai government against foreign tourists who break laws or cause disturbances. The tourism minister emphasized that while Thailand welcomes visitors from all nations, violators risk losing their visas or deportation. Each case is reviewed individually, and authorities do not generalize the behavior of one person to all tourists from the same country. To prevent such incidents, Thailand's Tourism Authority has reached out to embassies and airlines to inform visitors about local laws and customs before arrival.
As of now, no visa cancellations or similar actions have been reported against Dimino, despite earlier reports that authorities were considering expelling all parties involved. The case highlights rising tensions involving Israeli tourists in Thailand, with complaints from both sides about misconduct and hostile treatment. Thai officials maintain that enforcement is impartial and unrelated to nationality.
