Thailand Deports Zoo Owner Who Banned Israeli Family
Thai authorities deport French zoo manager Kevin Dimino from Koh Samui after he assaulted an Israeli family and posted an offensive image of the Israeli flag.
Jerusalem, 7 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Thailand’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an official deportation order on Monday against Kevin Dimino, a French citizen who manages the Samui Exotic Park on Koh Samui.
The decision followed a month-long controversy that began after Dimino was filmed refusing entry to an Israeli family, verbally abusing them, ordering them to leave, and physically assaulting the mother. He later posted a photo of the Israeli flag marked with an “X” next to a shooting target on the zoo’s social media page.
Thai authorities determined that Dimino’s conduct posed a serious threat to public order and safety. According to the Interior Ministry order, he was found responsible for harassment, physical violence, threats, and incitement to division based on race and religion, which led to confrontations between tourists.