Israelis expelled from zoo in Koh Samui: Allegations of assault and threats | Documentation
Thailand's tourist police are investigating a claim that an Israeli family was expelled from Samui Exotic Park after the owner learned of their nationality. The family reports that a staff member assaulted the father in front of his children, and the owner subsequently posted a video featuring an Israeli flag alongside a shooting target.
The tourist police in Koh Samui, Thailand, are investigating an incident in which an Israeli family was refused entry to Samui Exotic Park. According to the family, after they disclosed their nationality, they were told that Israelis were not permitted to enter. The family further claims that a staff member physically assaulted the father in front of his two young daughters.
Moran and Naveh, residents of Rosh HaAyin, visited the zoo during their vacation in Thailand with their daughters, aged 6 and 9. According to Moran, the employee at the entrance counter announced that Israelis were not allowed in. As the couple attempted to discuss the matter, another staff member was called to the scene. The family claims that upon realizing they were Israeli, he signaled them to leave, cursed the father, and headbutted him in the neck. A placard was also reportedly thrown at the family as they exited.
"He headbutted Naveh in the neck area," said Moran, describing the distress caused to her children and the emotional impact of the encounter.
This is not the first time the owner has expressed such views; previously, he explicitly stated on social media: "YES NO ISRAEL IN MY PARK IS CLEAR LIKE THAT." He claimed this policy was based on the past conduct of Israeli visitors rather than political motives.
Tensions had previously escalated in late July, when the park owners claimed to have received threats from an Israeli tourist following the display of a Palestinian flag and a "Free Palestine" sign at the site. The owners reported receiving a wave of negative online reviews as a result. Following the recent media coverage in Israel, the owner uploaded new content to social media, including a video showing an Israeli flag marked with a "no entry" sign, positioned next to a shooting target.
