Thailand Deports French National From Koh Samui
France national Kevin Dimino has been deported from Thailand after authorities determined his threatening behavior, physical assault and divisive conduct on Koh Samui posed a serious public safety risk.
BANGKOK — September 7, 2026 — Thailand has ordered a French national deported from the country after authorities said his conduct posed a serious threat to public order and the well-being of others.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed Interior Ministry Order No. 2355/2026 on September 7 ordering the deportation of Kevin Dimino, a French national, from the Kingdom. Dimino becomes the second foreign national recently ordered out of the country under the new deportation framework, following the deportation of Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon.
According to the order, Dimino had allegedly engaged in threatening and intimidating behaviour, physical assault and conduct causing trouble and annoyance to others. Authorities also accused him of creating divisions among people based on race and religion and causing conflict among tourists. The order further stated that he had engaged in reckless behaviour that could endanger other people or their property, without regard for their safety or causing them inconvenience.
The authorities said such conduct violated the law and was contrary to public order, good morals and the well-being of the public. The deportation order cited a ruling by Koh Samui Provincial Court, which found Dimino guilty under Sections 43(4) and 43(8), together with Section 158/1, second paragraph, of the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979). The court initially imposed a fine of 10,000 baht. As Dimino pleaded guilty and his admission was deemed beneficial to the proceedings, the court reduced the punishment by half under Section 78 of the Criminal Code, leaving a fine of 5,000 baht.
The Interior Ministry said Dimino's conduct fell within grounds for deportation under Section 5 of the Deportation Act B.E. 2499 (1956), as it was deemed contrary to public order, good morals or the well-being of the public. Anutin exercised his authority under Section 5 of the Deportation Act, together with Regulation No. 4 of the Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation B.E. 2569 (2026), to order Dimino to leave Thailand.
The deportation order comes amid a wider dispute on Koh Samui involving foreign tourists and a local zoo operator. The conflict reportedly involves Samui Exotic Park and a group of Israeli tourists.
