SURAT THANI, Thailand – Immigration authorities in Surat Thani are actively searching for French national K. Dimino on Koh Samui to formally notify him of a deportation order signed by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, as officials believe the zoo operator may be in hiding after learning of the directive. The Ministry of Interior order directs that Dimino be deported from the kingdom, citing alleged threatening and harassing behaviour, physical aggression, causing public nuisance, creating serious racial and religious division among tourists, and reckless conduct that could endanger others.

Thailand Orders French National Deported Over Samui Dispute

Dimino, who co-owns Samui Exotic Park on the resort island with his Thai wife, was seen driving a BMW sedan at high speed before parking at the zoo and disappearing from view, according to reports. A reporter who visited the site found the area quiet, with no tourists and no apparent activity from staff or Dimino’s wife. Immigration records show Dimino has operated a pet cafe on Koh Samui for approximately nine years.

The case follows a dispute involving an Israeli national who was ordered deported after a court conviction for intimidation. The Israeli is currently being detained at Koh Samui Police Station pending removal from Thailand. Speaking through a close associate, he denied threatening anyone, stating he respects Thailand and its legal system and never thought he would be deported for expressing opposition to a Palestinian flag on the island.

The dispute centred on Samui Exotic Park, where Dimino displayed a Palestinian flag and barred Israeli visitors following what operators described as repeated problems with some Israeli tourists. Videos circulated online appearing to show Dimino confronting and headbutting an Israeli man during an altercation.

The zoo later posted social media images showing an Israeli flag marked with a red no-entry symbol beside a shooting target and a Free Palestine flag. The park operator filed a police complaint alleging a group of Israeli tourists had repeatedly violated zoo rules and later harassed her and threatened to harm her family and burn down her home and zoo.

Both men have the right to appeal the deportation order directly to the prime minister within seven days of being notified. Prime Minister Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, has stated that Thailand welcomes tourists from across the world but expects them to respect Thai laws, customs and culture, adding that those who behave inappropriately may be asked to leave the country.

Israeli man deported from Koh Samui under Thailand’s new deportation rules

Authorities have stressed that foreigners living on or visiting Koh Samui must follow Thai law strictly and must not create problems for Thailand or island residents, urging the public not to judge whole nationalities by the actions of individuals.

-Thailand News (TN)