Thai zoo owner files complaint over threats by Israeli visitors

The owner of a zoo on Thailand’s Koh Samui island filed a complaint with Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau on Monday, alleging that Israeli visitors threatened to harm her family and burn down her home and business, the Thai Enquirer reported.

The Thai Enquirer said on US social media company X that the complaint followed an escalating dispute over the zoo’s decision to bar Israeli visitors and display a Palestinian flag.

The dispute began on Aug. 12, when an Israeli family said it was denied entry because of its nationality and alleged that the owner’s French husband assaulted the father.

The zoo owners disputed the account, saying the restriction followed repeated incidents involving Israeli visitors who allegedly refused to pay admission fees, mistreated animals and violated park rules. They said a bird was struck and killed in one such incident.

Tensions escalated after the park displayed a Palestinian flag, a sign barring Israelis and an Israeli flag beside a paper shooting target.

An Israeli man was subsequently fined 5,000 baht ($154) and given a two-year suspended sentence for making threats.

Police are also investigating allegations that another Israelim an influencer living in Francem has offered a 500,000-baht ($15,400) bounty online.