The owner of Samui Exotic Park filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) yesterday, August 24, against a group of Israeli tourists over alleged rule breaches at the zoo and threats against her family and business.
Jindarat, the 35 year old owner of Samui Exotic Park, attended the CIB with Kevin, her French husband. She asked police to take legal action against members of the Israeli group over the alleged incidents.
According to Jindarat, the tourists repeatedly broke the zoo’s rules by refusing to pay admission fees, seeking refunds and behaving in ways that could harm the animals. The repeated incidents led the zoo to put up a flag and refuse them entry.
Threatening messages began arriving after the decision, including threats to harm her family and burn down a house. A more recent message threatened to burn down the zoo.
Jindarat also alleged that people within the group claimed Koh Samui belonged to Israel, that they could do whatever they wanted on the island and that they knew several police officers and lawyers. She questioned whether anyone was supporting the group behind the scenes.
Following the police complaint, officers from several agencies inspected the zoo, checking documents relating to the animals, its operating licence and construction. Jindarat maintained that everything was legal.
She said refusing the group entry was intended to protect her property, not create conflict with any nationality. She also questioned why refusing certain customers should result in threats or intimidation.
She urged officials to investigate whether anyone on Koh Samui was supporting the group or helping them act as though they were above the law.
The threats also extended to her mother-in-law in France. Jindarat said the group threatened to burn down her home and claimed to know its location. The house was destroyed by fire shortly afterwards.
It remains unclear whether anyone on either side will have their visa revoked. A lawyer advising on the case said visas cannot immediately be revoked without first investigating the facts and any alleged offences.
Jindarat also disputed reports that her side had performed a wheelie. She said police did not listen to her explanation and seized the motorcycle without showing her the video they said captured the incident. She plans to submit her own information and evidence to support her account.
The zoo owner also addressed footage showing her husband, who manages the zoo, outside another business involved in the dispute. She confirmed that Kevin went to the business but denied claims that he threatened to ensure Israelis could no longer stay on Koh Samui.
Jindarat said she has footage showing Kevin arriving at the business, speaking with those present and returning to his vehicle. She said she was ready to release the full footage so police and the public could judge the incident based on the evidence.
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