Thai Examiner
Koh Samui zoo dispute morphs into wider protest at Israelis and foreigners misbehaving in Thailand
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A Koh Samui zoo clash ignites a wider Thai nationalist drive against Israeli misconduct and foreign power. Thai Mai Thon takes its demands to the Israeli Embassy, while Siam Asa seeks police protection over the threats and a reported ฿500,000 bounty.
Key facts
- Meanwhile, politically connected Siam Asa helped park owner Jindarat and her French husband, Kevin, seek police protection over reported threats and a ฿500,000 bounty
- A Koh Samui zoo clash ignites a wider Thai nationalist drive against Israeli misconduct and foreign power
- Nationalist campaign widens as activists target foreign businesses and take complaints to Israeli embassy
- Israeli embassy refuses activists’ letter seeking respect for Thai laws, customs and business rules
- Siam Asa backs park owner while Thai Mai Thon turns the Koh Samui dispute into a nationalist campaign
- Siam Asa opens official doors as Thai Mai Thon demands tougher controls on foreigners and businesses
Summary
A bitter dispute involving Israeli tourists at a Koh Samui animal park has exposed a deeper Thai nationalist movement with political connections and access to government. On Monday, Thai Mai Thon, or “Thais Won’t Tolerate It,” took its “Thailand First” campaign to the Israeli Embassy. Its letter cited reported threats, harassment and business disputes involving Israelis in Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Pai.
A dispute involving Israeli tourists and a Koh Samui animal park has widened into a broader Thai nationalist campaign. The confrontation began at Samui Exotic Park on August 11. Since then, the case has moved far beyond one family, one business and one island.