Thailand will deport Frenchman Kevin Dimino, co-owner of Samui Exotic Park on the resort island of Koh Samui, after he banned Israeli visitors, AFP reported Monday, citing an order signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The deportation order was issued shortly after a similar action was taken against Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon.
Ohayon had been given a suspended 15-day prison sentence and fined 5,000 baht (approximately $152) for "causing fear or panic through threats." The incident stemmed from an altercation last month after Dimino displayed a Palestinian flag, reportedly in response to alleged misconduct by some Israeli visitors. Ohayon, upon entering the zoo, noticed the flag and engaged in an argument with park staff, according to Israel's Channel 12.
Anutin, who also serves as Thailand's interior minister, signed Dimino's expulsion order following the dispute. The Thai Interior Ministry stated that Dimino was involved in aggressive behavior, threats, harassment, and public-order violations, and was accused of causing significant religious and racial division among foreign visitors. "We want tourists, but when they come, they have to respect our laws, Thai people and our customs and tradition," Anutin said, according to AFP. "We have the right to ask them to leave the country if they have done anything inappropriate."
A video of Dimino in an altercation with an Israeli family in August had gone viral. Following the incident, Dimino reportedly received threats online and responded with antisemitic statements, according to the New York Post. The Koh Samui Provincial Court initially sentenced Ohayon to one month in prison and a 10,000 baht fine, which was reduced after he pleaded guilty.
Deportation orders can be appealed within seven days of being served, and the actions come amid new regulations in Thailand concerning the expulsion of foreigners for misconduct.
