BANGKOK (VINnews) — Thailand has ordered the deportation of a French co-owner of a zoo on Koh Samui who banned Israeli visitors, following a separate case in which an Israeli tourist was convicted of threatening the zoo’s owners.
Kevin Dimino, co-owner of Samui Exotic Park, was ordered deported after Thai authorities accused him of threatening, harassing and physically abusing people. He was also fined 5,000 baht, about $150, in a separate case involving a traffic-related offense.
Très bonne nouvelle !
La Thaïlande a officiellement ordonné l’expulsion de l’antisémite Kevin Dimino, propriétaire d’un parc à Koh Samui, où il avait interdit son accès aux Israéliens et s'en était également pris à des familles juives en les insultant.
Justice ! pic.twitter.com/0JjqPeFNLP
— Jérémy Benhaïm (@JeremBenhaim) September 7, 2026
The Israeli involved in the dispute, Yaacov Ohayon, was also ordered deported by Thailand last week. Authorities said Ohayon was given a suspended 15-day jail sentence and fined 5,000 baht after being convicted of making threats that caused fear or panic.
According to AFP, Ohayon had visited the zoo and confronted staff after seeing a Palestinian flag displayed by Dimino. Dimino said he had put up the flag after what he described as bad behavior by some Israeli visitors. The dispute escalated, and the zoo owners filed a complaint against Ohayon alleging that he had threatened them.
The incident became part of a wider controversy after video of Dimino arguing with an Israeli family circulated online. Dimino later received threats and responded with statements that were condemned as antisemitic.
Both Dimino and Ohayon face deportation under Thailand’s new rules allowing authorities to remove foreigners accused of inappropriate or disruptive behavior. The orders can be appealed within seven days.
Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said foreigners are welcome but must obey Thai laws and respect the country’s customs.
“We want tourists, but when they come, they have to respect our laws, Thai people and our customs and tradition,” Anutin said.