Koh Samui police officers visited Samui Exotic Park to investigate threats received by its Franco-Thai owners after displaying a Palestinian flag.
Local authorities in Koh Samui carried out an on-site inspection at Samui Exotic Park, located in Mae Nam, following a complaint about threats made by an Israeli influencer.
For reference, the owners of the small animal park had displayed a “Free Palestine” sign and a Palestinian flag. They explained that they had acted after repeatedly suffering unacceptable behaviour from certain Israeli visitors. A man, Israeli Restaurant Owner in BoPhut, had then contacted them, confirmed the presence of the flag and made violent and offensive remarks. The park was subsequently targeted by a campaign of negative Google reviews.
See also: Koh Phangan: "Pun Pun Thai Food" restaurant packed after refusing Israeli tourists
In a statement published by RTP Samui, the local police who attended the scene said:
“Officers are currently gathering evidence and compiling details of the incident. Any developments will be communicated to the public. The preliminary inspection confirms that all animals in the park hold the necessary legal licences and are under the control of the competent authorities.”
The local police also shared images of the atmosphere inside the zoo:
The Samui Exotic Park remains open and continues to welcome visitors who respect the rules, the owner stated on the @ZoneSamui Facebook page. He confirms he has no longer accepted Israeli visitors for several months due to problematic behaviour (lack of respect, leaving enclosures open, littering, theft of food, animal mistreatment). He says he has received racist threats and death threats, a wave of more than 50 one-star reviews that lowered the park’s rating, and the closure of his Instagram account after an influencer intervened. The Frenchmen of Italian origin, states he holds evidence (videos, screenshots, recordings) and is firmly protecting his family and business, while reminding everyone that “here we are in Thailand”.
The harassment campaign has been amplified by Franco-Israeli influencers who are very active on social media.
At the same time, Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liengprasit ordered an immediate investigation into these complaints of intimidation by foreigners in Koh Samui. He issued urgent instructions to the Governor of Surat Thani and the District Chief of Koh Samui to visit the site to verify the facts and mobilise all relevant services to restore public confidence.
“The Ministry of the Interior will not tolerate any attack on citizens’ sense of security. Any breach of the law, regardless of the status or nationality of the perpetrator, will be pursued with the utmost firmness and in accordance with equality before the law” … “Thailand is happy to welcome tourists and investors of good faith, but it will not allow anyone to use violence or influence to sow fear among the population,” he declared.
The Deputy Minister also asked local authorities to carry out a thorough inspection of the establishments concerned: operating conditions, land use, property ownership, employment of staff and compliance with Thai regulations (this verification was carried out in the morning, see above).
“I have asked the governor and the district chief of all major tourist areas to monitor the situation closely and intervene immediately with residents. The Ministry of the Interior’s mission is to ensure that citizens feel safe and are not left alone to face their problems. When Thais are in difficulty, the State must stand by them.”
