French Zoo Owner Kevin Dimino Deported From Thailand
French zoo owner Kevin Dimino has been deported from Thailand after authorities found him guilty of threatening behavior, harassment, and inciting racial and religious division among tourists on Koh Samui.
On September 7, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister signed Ministry of Interior Order No. 2354/2569, deporting French national Kevin Dimino, owner of a pet cafe and animal park on Koh Samui, from Thailand. The order cites Dimino's threatening behavior, intimidation, physical assault, public harassment, and incitement of racial and religious division among tourists, as well as reckless conduct endangering persons or property in violation of law. Koh Samui Provincial Court previously convicted Dimino under the Land Traffic Act and sentenced him to a 5,000-baht fine after he pleaded guilty; the court halved an initial 10,000-baht penalty under criminal code provisions. The Interior Minister invoked Section 5 of the Alien Deportation Act of 1942 to order his removal, citing conduct contrary to public peace, morality, and public welfare. Immigration officers in Surat Thani province are currently tracking Dimino to serve the deportation order.
This deportation follows an earlier order on September 4 deporting Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon, Dimino's counterpart in the dispute, who was arrested and detained at Koh Samui Police Station pending removal. Ohayon claimed via social media that he merely expressed his opinion about a Palestinian flag displayed on the island and denied making threats. Immigration records show Ohayon held a business visa and operated a restaurant on Koh Samui for five years, while Dimino, married to a Thai national, has operated his pet cafe business on the island for approximately nine years.
Under legal procedures, both individuals may appeal the deportation order to the Prime Minister within seven days of notification to seek reversal. A Koh Samui resident, Sant Tong Suk, commented that the conflict appeared to be a personal dispute rather than purely a matter of nationality, noting that Koh Samui is a tourist destination welcoming visitors from many countries.
