Thai immigration officers in Surat Thani are trying to locate French national Kevin Dimino on Koh Samui to formally notify him of a deportation order signed by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Officials believe Dimino may already know about the order and could be in hiding. The case follows a dispute involving Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon, who has also been ordered deported and is being held pending removal from Thailand.

Immigration search under way

The Ministry of Interior order, No. 2354/2569, directs that Dimino be deported from the kingdom. Authorities cited alleged threatening, harassment and assaultive behaviour, causing public nuisance, creating serious racial and religious division including among tourists, and reckless conduct that could endanger others.

The allegations relate to events on Koh Samui. A reporter who visited outside the animal zoo found the area quiet, with no tourists and no apparent activity from staff or Dimino's Thai wife.

Immigration records checked by Surat Thani Immigration show that Dimino, who is married to a Thai national, has operated a pet cafe on Koh Samui for about nine years.

Israeli man held pending removal

Ohayon is currently being detained at Koh Samui Police Station in Surat Thani while awaiting deportation. Immigration records show he has held a business visa and run a restaurant on Koh Samui for five years.

Speaking through a close associate, Ohayon denied threatening anyone and said he respected Thailand and its laws.

"I respect Thailand, the local legal system, and all tourists should respect it too," he said. "I never thought I would be deported for expressing opposition to a Palestinian flag on Koh Samui. I do not think this war should happen on this island."

He added: "I would like to stress again that I never threatened them. I only told Kevin my opinion about bringing a flag to display on this island."

Both men have the right under the legal process to appeal to the prime minister for the deportation orders to be revoked within seven days of being notified.

Authorities stressed that foreigners of every nationality who live on or visit Koh Samui must follow Thai law strictly and must not create problems for Thailand or island residents. They also urged the public not to judge whole nationalities by the actions of individuals.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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Join the discussion?

8 September 2026

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3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Officials believe Dimino may already know about the order and could be in hiding.

So now he is also a fugitive from justice. Lock him up.

Do you think he has fled to GAZA? ☹️ just asking ...

1 hour ago, John Drake said:

So now he is also a fugitive from justice. Lock him up.

He could have started the road to redemption by facing his punishment, but it seems he chose to hide. Bet he would have planted trees along the Champs-Élysées during the run up to WWII.