Jindarat, manager of Samui Exotic Park, who has been harassed with her French husband Kevin for more than a month, has filed a complaint in Bangkok against a group of Israeli visitors whom she accuses of harassment and threats of arson. The couple enjoys very strong support from the local population.
The owner of a zoo on the island of Koh Samui, in southern Thailand, has lodged a complaint against a group of Israeli tourists. Jindarat, 35, manager of the Samui Exotic Park, claims she and her family have been harassed and threatened by these visitors.
Accompanied by her husband and Sukh Saknangrongdet, president of the Siam Asa volunteer group, she lodged a complaint on Monday at the reporting centre of the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok.
See also: Koh Samui: Harassment against the managers of the “Samui Exotic Park” intensifies
According to her, tensions began when the tourists refused to pay entry fees, demanded refunds and behaved in ways she considered dangerous for the animals. Faced with these repeated incidents, Jindarat eventually raised a Palestinian flag and banned the group from the zoo.
“Messages threatening my family and to burn my house followed. More recently, they threatened to set fire to the zoo,” she said.
The manager also accuses the tourists of mistreating animals, opening cages and bringing incompatible species into contact, causing injuries. One visitor is said to have struck a bird that landed on his shoulder, killing it.
She further claims the group entered without paying, promising to settle the bill if satisfied. After an hour’s visit, the tourists reportedly demanded a refund because a child had stepped in chicken droppings, despite signs prohibiting the removal of shoes.
Jindarat says she noticed a car parked repeatedly near her home. Thai and foreign residents of the island have since expressed their support, while stating they have witnessed similar incidents but dared not speak out publicly.
She insists that the display of the Palestinian flag was solely to protect her business and staff, and not to create conflict with any particular nationality. She is calling on the authorities to investigate all those involved, including any local supporters of the tourists.
See also: Samui Exotic Park: Kevin’s parents’ house targeted by arson
Her husband went to the scene after receiving threatening messages, but she denies he threatened to prevent Israelis from living on the island. She says she has video recordings of all the incidents and is ready to hand them over to investigators.