Immigration9/5/2026

Israeli to Be Deported from Thailand After Threats Conviction

The Koh Samui Provincial Court convicted an Israeli citizen residing in Thailand of threatening the owner of a local zoo. Following the ruling, the authorities revoked his visa and ordered his deportation from the country, although the deportation decision may still be appealed.

Key facts

•Court: Koh Samui Provincial Court, Thailand
•Legal provision: Section 392 of Thailand’s Penal Code
•Sentence: 15 days in prison and a fine of 5,000 baht
•Suspended sentence: two years’ imprisonment
•Grounds for deportation: Deportation Act of 1956
•The order was signed on September 4; the year is not specified in the source

What Happened

The dispute arose around the “Samui Exotic Park,” which is managed by French citizen Kevin Dimino and his wife, a Thai citizen. According to the source, Dimino displayed a Palestinian flag at the park and signs prohibiting Israelis from entering. After an incident involving a family of Israeli tourists, an Israeli citizen residing on the island intervened in the dispute.

The Sentence

The Koh Samui Provincial Court convicted the Israeli under Section 392 of Thailand’s Penal Code of threatening the life of the zoo owner and engaging in conduct that caused another person fear and distress. The court initially sentenced him to one month in prison and a fine of 10,000 baht. After he pleaded guilty, the sentence was reduced by half—to 15 days in prison and a fine of 5,000 baht; in addition, he received a two-year suspended prison sentence.

Why the Deportation Decision Was Made

Thailand’s Ministry of Interior determined that the convicted man’s conduct was contrary to public order, public morality, and the welfare of the population. On that basis, it was decided to deport him under the Deportation Act of 1956. The order was signed on September 4 by Thailand’s Minister of Interior and Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul; the authorities had previously also revoked the Israeli citizen’s visa.

Possibility of Appeal

The Israeli citizen may appeal the deportation decision to the Prime Minister and request a stay of its enforcement. The appeal may be filed within seven days of receiving official notice of the order. The source does not state whether he exercised this right or whether the deportation was carried out.

What this means for you

For Israelis staying in Thailand, a criminal conviction may result not only in a court-imposed sentence but also in separate immigration consequences—visa revocation and deportation on public-order grounds. Even when there is a right of appeal, the deadline for filing it may be short: in the case described, it is seven days from receipt of the official notice.

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Case analysis based on court rulings