A 36-year-old Frenchman has been arrested on Koh Samui after entering Samui Exotic Park and removing a sign restricting Israeli visitors. Police said the man, identified only as Sasha, wore a Spider-Man mask during the protest on Sunday, September 20.
Koh Samui Police Station officers arrested Sasha at a hotel in the Lipa Noi district. He has been charged with trespassing.
Police seized 80 Pokemon cards, two Pokemon dolls, a banner reading "Imagine All People Living in Peace", a Spider-Man mask, and the park's banner displaying its ban on Israeli visitors.
Video led to park complaint
The arrest followed a video posted by Sasha in which he is seen removing a sign bearing a crossed-out Israeli flag from a wall at the park. Samui Exotic Park is owned by a Thai-French couple.
In the footage, Sasha says, "Let's save all the Pokemon and give peace to this world" before taking down the sign. He then places it on the ground alongside his multicoloured peace banner, Pokemon dolls and cards.
"Save them all. Release them all," he tells the camera before the video ends.
Sasha left the park on a motorcycle soon afterwards. The owners later lodged a complaint with Koh Samui Police Station and provided officers with the video and CCTV footage.
Picture and videos courtesy of Facebook/Samuispyder Man
The park had previously been at the centre of a dispute and threats involving Israeli visitors, which resulted in a deportation order for the French owner.
Visa status and possible penalty
Police found that Sasha was in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa valid until July 20, 2027. He reportedly works as a marketing manager for a company on Koh Samui.
During questioning, he said he removed the sign because he believed the park's policy towards Israeli visitors was creating divisions among foreign tourists in Thailand. He said he had put up his own banner as a call for peace.
Sasha said the Pokemon cards and dolls were intended to raise awareness of animal abuse and encourage the Thai-French owners to release the animals at the park.
Police also reported that Sasha's father, Stefan, was arrested in July over the alleged illegal operation of a hotel using Thai nominees. Officers said Sasha had no criminal history.
Section 364 (Enters into the Property of another) of the Criminal Law provides for up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. Police have not yet disclosed what penalty Sasha could face, as legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Posted video at the park
GoFundMe set up after arrest
After his arrest Sasha set up a GoFundMe, to help his case, in which he defended his actions.
“I never imagined that an action I took with a humanitarian and symbolic purpose could lead me to a situation where I might face prison in Thailand.
I did what I did because I wanted to stand up for something I deeply believe in: protecting animals and sending a message of peace, compassion and humanity.
It was never about hurting anyone.
It was never about causing violence.
It was a symbolic act, a way of using my voice when I felt that animals needed someone to speak for them.
Today, I am the one who needs help.
I am facing a serious legal situation in Thailand, and I am desperately trying to raise the funds necessary to cover my legal expenses, lawyers and related costs so that I can defend myself and hopefully avoid imprisonment.
I am asking for help not because I want special treatment, but because I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, represented and defended.”
GoFundMe video
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22 September 2026
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