Koh samui: The owner of Samui Exotic Park has filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to investigate a group of Israeli tourists on Koh Samui. The complaint alleges they have been abusing animals, repeatedly refusing to pay entrance fees to the zoo, and have been subjected to threats and harassment after the park displayed flags.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suk Saknarongdech, chairman of the Siam Asa group, accompanied Ms. Jindarat, 35, owner of Samui Exotic Park, and her husband to file a police report against a group of Israeli nationals. Ms. Jindarat explained that the tourists had previously disrespected the zoo's rules, including refusing to pay, attempting to get refunds, and exhibiting behavior that could endanger the animals. This led her to decide to bar the group from entering the park by displaying a flag. Following this, she received continuous threatening messages, including threats against her family, burning down her house, and most recently, threatening to burn down the zoo itself. This has made her feel unsafe for herself, her family, and the animals she cares for.
Individuals in this group also claimed that Koh Samui belongs to Israel and that they can do whatever they want there, while also claiming to know many police officers and lawyers. This raises questions about why these individuals are so confident in behaving in this way, and whether there is anyone behind them or providing support.
Following the filing of a police report, officials from several agencies inspected the zoo, reviewing animal ownership documents, business licenses, and construction documents. Ms. Jindarat insisted that everything was done in accordance with the law.
Ms. Jindarat emphasized that displaying the flag and refusing service to such groups was a way to protect their territory and not intended to create conflict with any nationality. She questioned why, if business owners or citizens did not want to accept certain customer groups, they were threatened or pressured. She also called on authorities to investigate all those involved in the incident, including individuals who have lived or done business on Koh Samui for a long time, to determine if anyone provided support or assistance that enabled these individuals to behave as if they were above the law.
Furthermore, there were threats that the location of Ms. Jindarat's husband's mother's house was known, and threats were made to burn down the house. Shortly afterward, Ms. Jindarat's mother's house was indeed burned down. Regarding the consideration of revoking the visas of both parties involved, it is currently unclear whether the visas will actually be revoked. The lawyer advising the case stated that visa revocation requires a factual investigation and consideration of the specific offenses committed by the individuals; it cannot be revoked immediately without such an investigation.
Regarding the allegations that she had performed a front-wheel lift on a motorcycle, Ms. Jindarat confirmed that she had informed the police of the facts on the day of the incident, but the officers did not listen and proceeded primarily with seizing the motorcycle. She stated that the motorcycle in question was recently purchased on August 22nd or 24th, before being seized on August 28th, and had been barely used except for having stickers applied. She further explained that it is an off-road motorcycle, capable of performing front-wheel lifts, but the police referred to it as a "front-wheel lift." Ms. Jindarat added that during her statement, the police said they would show her a video of the incident, but she has not yet seen it since the motorcycle was already seized. Therefore, she is preparing to use the available information and evidence to confirm the facts.
Regarding the image showing her husband, a zoo caretaker, at the location of the opposing party's establishment, Ms. Jindarat admitted that it was her husband and that he was at that location. However, she denied the accusation that her husband made threatening remarks about preventing Israeli citizens from staying on Koh Samui. She insisted that she has video footage of the incident, from when her husband was in the car, to his arrival at the scene, their conversation, and his return to the car. She is ready to release this video to verify the facts and allow the public and officials to investigate based on evidence rather than resorting to accusations.