Thailand zoo owner files complaint over alleged threats after Israeli visitor dispute

The owner of a zoo on Thailand’s Koh Samui has  against a group of Israeli tourists, alleging that they harassed her and threatened to harm her family and burn down her home and zoo.

Jindarat, 35, owner of Samui Exotic Park, filed the complaint at the Central Investigation Bureau’s complaint centre in Bangkok on Monday, accompanied by her husband and Sukh Saknangrongdet, chairman of the Siam Asa volunteer group.

The dispute follows a confrontation at the zoo involving an Israeli family. Both sides have made allegations about the incident, while video footage from the dispute has circulated on social media.

Dispute over alleged behaviour at the zoo

Jindarat said the dispute began after what she described as repeated violations of the zoo’s rules by Israeli visitors.

She alleged that some visitors refused to pay admission fees, requested refunds and behaved in ways she considered dangerous to the animals.

She also alleged that members of the group took food and milk bottles belonging to other visitors to feed animals, ignored instructions when feeding them, opened cages and allowed animals that did not get along to come into contact.

According to Jindarat, one visitor entered a bird enclosure despite disliking birds. After a bird landed on the person's shoulder, she alleged that the visitor struck it, causing it to collapse and die.

She further alleged that the group entered the zoo without paying, saying they would pay after deciding whether they were satisfied with the attraction. After about an hour, they allegedly sought a refund after a child stepped on chicken droppings after removing their shoes, despite signs instructing visitors not to do so.

The allegations have not been independently established.

Israeli family disputes the account

The Israeli family involved in the confrontation has given a different account.

Reports said the family visited Samui Exotic Park with their two daughters. The family alleged that they were initially welcomed but were refused entry after staff learned they were Israeli.

Video footage of the confrontation was subsequently circulated online.

Samui Exotic Park has also published material relating to the dispute through its official Facebook account.

The material published by the zoo represents its account and footage from its perspective. The allegations made by both sides remain subject to investigation.

Palestinian flag displayed at zoo

Jindarat said she eventually displayed a Palestinian flag at the zoo and refused entry to the group.

She said the decision was intended to protect her business and employees rather than create conflict with people of any nationality.

The incident attracted wider attention after images and videos of the confrontation were shared on social media.

Jindarat said she wanted people in Thailand, regardless of nationality, to follow Thai laws and regulations.

Alleged threats reported to police

Jindarat told investigators that threats followed the dispute.

She alleged that messages threatened to harm her family and burn down her home. She said a later message threatened to burn the zoo.

She also said she became concerned after allegedly seeing a vehicle repeatedly parked and circling near her home.

Jindarat asked investigators to examine all parties involved, including whether people living or operating businesses on Koh Samui had provided assistance to the Israeli tourists.

Sukh said he became involved after receiving the zoo operator’s complaint and had coordinated with relevant authorities, including the Crime Suppression Division, to investigate the allegations.

Husband's actions also disputed

Jindarat acknowledged that her husband had gone to a business operated by the other party after receiving what she described as threatening and provocative messages.

She denied allegations that he threatened to prevent Israelis from living on Koh Samui.

She said her husband's journey, including his departure, arrival, conversation at the location and return, had been recorded on video. She said the footage could be provided to authorities.

Jindarat also said her side was prepared to accept responsibility for its own actions and provide evidence so that investigators and the public could assess the dispute based on evidence rather than competing accusations.

Investigation continues

Jindarat said she had not received confirmation that the visas of people involved in the dispute would be cancelled.

Her lawyer had advised that any such action would require an investigation into the facts and alleged offences.

The case now involves competing accounts from the zoo operator and the Israeli visitors, alongside video material published by both sides.

Thai authorities are expected to examine the allegations and available evidence before determining whether further legal action is warranted.