Koh Samui Zoo Dispute Escalates After Owners Report Death Threat

Koh Samui Zoo Dispute Escalates After Owners Report Death Threat

Thailand’s Interior Ministry has ordered an investigation after the owners of a Koh Samui animal park said they received a death threat connected to their refusal to admit Israeli visitors. The Thai-French couple who operate Samui Exotic Park displayed a “Free Palestine” sign and said their decision followed repeated problems they claimed to have experienced with some Israeli customers, including rule-breaking and inappropriate treatment of animals. Owner Sai alleged that a man later threatened to kill the couple and claimed that 500,000 baht had been offered for their deaths following a recent confrontation. An Israeli father involved in that dispute presented a different account, alleging that a male employee assaulted him and threw a sign at his wife while their children were present. Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has instructed local officials and police to investigate the competing allegations and seek a resolution between the parties.