Thailand's Interior Ministry is stepping in to resolve a dispute between the operator of an exotic animal zoo on Koh Samui and an Israeli family who say they were denied entry.

Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said on Sunday 16 August 2026, that he had discussed the matter with the Surat Thani governor, whose office oversees the island. He said officials would meet those involved and work to end the row.

The Israeli couple and their two children, aged six and nine, said they were refused admission to Samui Exotic Park on August 12.

Claims over signs and visitor conduct

Earlier reports said signs at the park had welcomed Palestinians to enter free of charge while denying entry to Israelis.

The zoo operator was subsequently reported to have received threats and messages calling for the business to be expelled from Koh Samui.

A Facebook user understood to be the zoo operator recently made allegations against some Israeli visitors. The post accused them of refusing to pay admission, taking animal feed from other visitors' baskets, disregarding park rules and squeezing milk onto pigs' faces.

Those allegations were reported as claims by the person believed to run the zoo.

Officials to meet both sides

Mr Polapee said administrative officials would bring all parties together in an effort to settle the dispute.

He described the issue as a disagreement between the zoo management and expatriates living on the island, rather than tourists.

Koh Samui is part of Surat Thani province and is one of Thailand's most established island destinations, with a sizeable long-term foreign community alongside regular international visitors. The outcome of the talks may clarify how the parties intend to address the claims and any concerns about conduct at the park.

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17 August 2026

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Wow, wow, wow! It looks like this has indeed become a serious matter. I have a feeling it is not going to go well for the zoo owner.