KOH SAMUI, Thailand – A Samui Exotic Park owner has sought help from Thailand’s Crime Suppression Division after allegedly receiving threats from a group of Israeli tourists following disputes over animal treatment, entrance fees and access to the zoo.
On August 24, Sukh Saknarongdet, chairman of the Siam Asa Group (Siam Volunteer), accompanied 35-year-old Jindarat, owner of Samui Exotic Park, and her husband to file a complaint against the group, saying they had allegedly harassed and threatened the family, raising concerns for their safety and property.
Sukh said he had received a complaint from the Samui business operator about a group of Israeli tourists allegedly causing problems and behaving inappropriately at the zoo. He subsequently contacted relevant authorities, including the Crime Suppression Division, to investigate the allegations and provide assistance.
Jindarat said the problems began after the Israeli visitors allegedly failed to follow the zoo’s rules, including refusing to pay entrance fees, asking for refunds and engaging in behavior she said could endanger the animals. She said she eventually put up a Palestinian flag and decided not to admit the group to the park. She alleged that the move was followed by a series of threatening messages, including threats to harm her family and burn down her home and the zoo.
Jindarat said the threats had left her concerned for the safety of herself, her family and the animals under her care. She also alleged that members of the group claimed that Koh Samui belonged to Israel and that they could do whatever they wanted on the island. She said they also claimed to know police officers and lawyers, prompting her to question whether anyone was backing the group.
Jindarat stressed that her actions were not intended to create conflict with people of any particular nationality, but were aimed at protecting her business, family and animals. She described several incidents involving the tourists, including allegedly disturbing animals, ignoring instructions when feeding them, opening animal enclosures and allowing animals that were incompatible with each other to come into contact.
In one incident, she alleged that a visitor who disliked birds entered a bird enclosure and then struck a bird after it landed on the person’s shoulder. The bird subsequently became unresponsive and died, she said. She also alleged that visitors took food and milk intended for animals and squeezed milk into a pig’s nose. In another incident, she said animals that should not have been kept together were allowed to come into contact, resulting in injuries.
Jindarat also claimed that some visitors attempted to enter without paying, saying they would pay only if they were satisfied with the experience. She said one group later sought a refund after a child removed their shoes and stepped on chicken droppings, despite signs instructing visitors not to remove their shoes. She further alleged that vehicles had repeatedly stopped near her home and that people appeared to be watching or following the family.
According to Jindarat, Thai and foreign residents on Koh Samui had also approached her to offer support, with some saying they had experienced similar incidents but were reluctant to speak publicly. The most serious allegation concerns threats against her mother’s home. Jindarat said her family had received threats claiming that the location of her mother’s house was known and that it would be burned.
She said the house was later destroyed by fire while her mother was inside with three cats. Before the fire, someone allegedly knocked on the door at around 4–5 a.m., but her mother did not open it.
Jindarat said her mother later noticed an unusual smell and quickly left the house before authorities were alerted to the fire. She said the circumstances had heightened her concerns over the safety of her family.
Following the complaint, several agencies inspected the zoo, including its animal ownership documents, operating licenses and construction-related paperwork. Jindarat said she maintained that all of the park’s operations and documents were lawful. She also addressed reports that the visas of people involved in the dispute could be revoked. Jindarat said she had not received confirmation that any visas would actually be cancelled and understood that immigration authorities would first have to investigate the facts and determine whether any laws had been violated.
Jindarat acknowledged that her husband had travelled to a business operated by one of the parties involved in the dispute after receiving threatening messages. However, she denied an allegation that he had threatened to prevent Israelis from remaining on Koh Samui. She said her husband had video footage documenting the entire incident, from his departure by car to his arrival, conversation at the location and return journey, and that the footage could be produced to establish what actually happened.
Jindarat said her husband went to the location after receiving messages that challenged him to come there if he was willing, prompting him to become angry and travel to the site. She called on the Central Investigation Bureau and other authorities to investigate all parties involved and determine whether anyone had provided assistance or protection that allowed individuals to behave as though they were above Thai law. “We do not want conflict between nationalities,” Jindarat said, stressing that everyone living in or visiting Thailand should respect the country’s laws and rules equally.
