Israeli, French zoo owner face deportation from Thailand after Koh Samui feud

Thai authorities are considering revoking the visas and deporting an Israeli and a French national, the owner of a zoo on the island of Koh Samui, following a dispute that escalated into physical confrontation, online threats, and legal action. According to Ynet, tensions began when an Israeli resident asked Kevin Dimino, the French owner of Samui Exotic Park, to remove a Palestinian flag, which led to a refusal. Videos circulating online appear to show Dimino confronting and headbutting the Israeli. Dimino has claimed that threats against him escalated to the point that his mother's home in France was set on fire. A Koh Samui court fined the Israeli 5,000 baht and handed him a two-year suspended sentence for making threats. Police are also investigating an allegation that another Israeli offered 500,000 baht for information that could lead to Dimino being harmed. Thai authorities, concerned that the personal conflict could develop into broader religious or ethnic tensions, are gathering information for a provincial committee hearing to decide on the potential revocation of visas and deportation of both men. Security checkpoints have been placed near the park and the homes of those involved since August 15 to prevent further confrontations.