Thailand to deport French zoo owner who barred Israelis

Thailand said Monday it would deport a Frenchman who banned Israeli visitors from his zoo on Koh Samui, just days after issuing a similar order for an Israeli who had threatened him.



Kevin Dimino, co-owner of Samui Exotic Park on the resort island, engaged in threatening, harassing and physically abusive behaviour, according to an order signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.



His behaviour was contrary to public order, good morals and public welfare, it said, adding that he had been fined about US$150 by a local court for violating a law on the use of roads and vehicles.



The government issued a similar order on Sept 4 for Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon, who it said had been given a suspended sentence of 15 days in jail and fined for causing fear or panic through threats.



Dimino, who owns the zoo with his Thai wife, said in August that he had hung up a Palestinian flag in response to bad behaviour from some Israeli visitors, which he said triggered threats online.



The Frenchman then went viral after an altercation with an Israeli family was caught on camera.



He received more threats, which he responded to with overt anti-Semitic statements.