Surat Thani authorities are considering revoking visas and expelling two foreigners after a personal dispute on Koh Samui that arose from the display of a Palestinian flag and has become a source of tourist tensions.
Security services in the province of Surat Thani announced on 22 August their intention to expel two foreign nationals involved in a personal conflict on Koh Samui, according to national media outlet Khaosod.
See also: Koh Samui: Harassment against the managers of “Samui Exotic Park” intensifies
The matter, which began with the display of a Palestinian flag, quickly spread on social media and is now raising concerns for the island’s tourist image, according to the authorities.
Colonel Thitiphong Inwasa, deputy director of the internal security operations command, said the dispute was between Israeli restaurateur Jacob Ohayon and Frenchman Kevin Dimino, manager of Samui Exotic Park.
It all started when an Israeli tourist argued with the manager, who then displayed a Palestinian flag and a welcome sign for Palestinians. Jacob Ohayon aggressively demanded the flag be removed, without success. The exchange was shared online, sparking a heated controversy. The Koh Samui provincial court sentenced restaurateur Jacob Ohayon to a fine of 5,000 baht and a two-year suspended prison sentence.
See also: Samui Exotic Park: Israeli restaurateur convicted after threats on Facebook
The situation worsened further when an Israeli influencer offered a reward of 500,000 baht for any information that would identify Kevin. The authorities fear the affair may give the impression that Israeli visitors are threatening locals, or that the local population is hostile to Israeli tourists.
“Thailand remains open to visitors of all nationalities, but it will not allow foreigners to import personal conflicts that could harm local security or tourism,” Colonel Thitiphong said.
Security services have compiled a file to submit to a provincial commission the revocation of the two men’s visas and their expulsion. Jacob Ohayon, who holds a business visa, has lived on Koh Samui for five years. Kevin Dimino, married to a Thai woman, has resided there for nine years.
Local residents have nevertheless shown support for the park’s managers, according to several accounts gathered on the ground. It is likely that the recent visit by Israel’s ambassador to the region, intended to discuss the safety of Israeli nationals, influenced the provincial authorities’ decision.
Since 15 August, police have maintained checkpoints outside the park and near the two men’s homes to prevent any further confrontation.