French Koh Samui zoo owner held for deportation

French national Kevin Dimino, the owner of a zoo on Koh Samui, has been detained after Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order for his deportation from Thailand.

Investigators and Surat Thani Immigration officers located Dimino on September 8, 2026, and took him to Koh Samui Police Station for further questioning. Officials are now preparing legal steps to remove him from the kingdom and return him to his home country.

The deportation order was issued following a dispute involving foreigners on the Surat Thani island. Authorities said Dimino had displayed behaviour they considered overbearing and harmful to public order.

Zoo was closed during immigration search

Surat Thani Immigration officers had been trying to find Dimino in order to formally notify him of the deportation order.

When they went to the zoo business premises, however, the site was closed and there was no apparent activity.

Police had earlier received information that at about 1pm on September 7, Dimino drove a BMW to the location at speed. He reportedly got out, stood outside to observe the area and then left.

That led officers to intensify their efforts to trace him. He was subsequently located and taken into custody on September 8.

Removal process now under way

Dimino will remain subject to further procedures at Koh Samui Police Station before immigration authorities proceed with his removal from Thailand.

Authorities did not say when he is expected to be sent back to France.

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8 September 2026