Thailand to deport French zoo owner who banned Israeli

Thailand will deport French zoo co-owner Kevin Dimino from Koh Samui for banning Israeli visitors and engaging in aggressive behavior, threats, harassment, and public-order violations. This decision, signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, follows Dimino's display of a Palestinian flag and subsequent altercations, including a viral video in August and antisemitic statements online. Concurrently, Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon also faces deportation after receiving a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a 5,000 baht fine for threatening zoo staff after noticing the flag. Anutin stated, "We want tourists, but when they come, they have to respect our laws, Thai people and our customs and tradition. We have the right to ask them to leave the country if they have done anything inappropriate." These expulsions align with new regulations regarding the deportation of foreigners for misconduct.