Thai authorities issued a deportation order on Monday, September 7, for a French animal park manager who had refused entry to Israeli citizens. The decision comes three days after a similar procedure was initiated against an Israeli citizen who had threatened the manager.
Kevin Dimino, a co-owner of the Samui Exotic Park on the island of Koh Samui, is accused by authorities of “threats,” “harassment,” and “physical violence.” According to the order signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the Villeurbanne native is also accused of “sowing discord and inciting racial and religious disputes.”
Conflict details and legal consequences
Kevin Dimino, who has lived in Thailand for over a decade, has seven days to appeal the decision. The conflict began several months ago when he placed a Palestinian flag in the park, explaining it as a response to the disrespectful behavior of Israeli visitors. Following a viral video of an incident involving an Israeli family in August, Kevin Dimino claimed he received hundreds of death threats, to which he responded on social media with provocations and overtly antisemitic remarks.
The Frenchman claims his Thai wife has influential connections and also reported an arson attack on his mother’s house near Lyon. A police source confirmed that an investigation was opened in France on August 19 regarding the arson of a garage and a vehicle.
Meanwhile, Thai authorities issued a deportation order on Friday for Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon for threatening the manager and his wife. Previously, the Koh Samui Provincial Court sentenced him to a 15-day suspended prison term and a fine of 5,000 baht (130 euros). At the end of August, Thailand introduced new deportation rules with a “zero tolerance” policy toward foreigners who violate local laws. On Sunday, Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized: “Tourists are welcome, but they must respect our laws, the Thai people, as well as our customs and traditions.”
Source: Le Parisien
