Israeli Family Barred From Koh Samui Zoo Over Nationality
An Israeli family was denied entry to Samui Exotic Park in Mae Nam on August 14, citing their nationality, sparking a confrontation caught on video that escalated into physical altercation with staff.
An Israeli family accompanied by two young daughters visited Samui Exotic Park in Mae Nam on August 14, 2026, but say they were turned away because of their nationality. Video footage recorded by the mother shows her confronting staff, asking "Because we're from Israel? What have you done to you? We haven't done anything," before a man representing the zoo orders them to leave, uses profanity, and appears to headbutt the husband while throwing a small sign in the woman's direction.
The park released its own CCTV footage of the confrontation and later posted Instagram Stories that appeared to reinforce its stance, including a video showing an Israeli flag marked with a red no-entry symbol next to a shooting target, alongside a Free Palestine flag. While the park previously faced backlash for displaying Palestinian flags and "Free Palestine" signage, it claimed at the time that it welcomed visitors of all nationalities but expected guests to respect its rules.
