Thailand is sending a clear, uncompromising message to disruptive expatriates: respect local laws, or face immediate deportation.
The latest targets of this enforcement are a French animal park co-owner and an Israeli national, both of whom have been ordered to leave the country following a bitter, highly publicized feud on the resort island of Koh Samui.
The Feud at Samui Exotic Park
On Monday, September 7, Thai authorities issued an expulsion order against Kevin Dimino, the French co-owner of Samui Exotic Park. The order, signed directly by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accuses Dimino of "threats," "harassment," "physical violence," and "stirring racial and religious divisions."
The conflict began months ago when Dimino displayed a Palestinian flag at his park, a decision he claimed was a reaction to repeated misbehavior by Israeli visitors. The move triggered a wave of negative online reviews, death threats, and a viral altercation with an Israeli family in August. Dimino admittedly fueled the fire on social media, responding to the backlash with highly provocative and openly antisemitic remarks.
Dimino, who has lived in Thailand for over a decade, downplayed the situation, stating he has seven days to appeal.
A Double Expulsion
Dimino is not the only foreigner being deported over this clash. Days prior, Thai authorities issued a matching expulsion order for Yaacov Ohayon, an Israeli resident of Koh Samui.
Ohayon was arrested for threatening Dimino and his Thai wife. A local court on Koh Samui sentenced Ohayon to a suspended 15-day prison term and a fine of 5,000 baht (approximately €130) before the government initiated his deportation.
Why It Matters: The "Zero Tolerance" Policy
This swift, double-deportation highlights a major policy shift. In late August, Thailand implemented strict new guidelines for expelling foreigners, promising "zero tolerance" for expats and tourists who break local laws or disrupt public order.
While tourism remains a vital economic pillar—accounting for more than 10% of Thailand's GDP—rising public frustration over tourist misbehavior has pushed the government to act.
"Tourists are welcome, but they must respect our laws, the Thai people, as well as our customs and traditions," Prime Minister Charnvirakul emphasized. "We have the right to ask them to leave if they do anything inappropriate."
