SURAT THANI — The owner of a zoo on Koh Samui has filed a police complaint against a group of Israeli tourists, alleging 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 center in Bangkok on Monday, accompanied by her husband and Sukh Saknangrongdet, chairman of the Siam Asa volunteer group.
Jindarat said the dispute began after the tourists allegedly repeatedly violated the zoo’s rules, including refusing to pay admission fees, asking for refunds and behaving in ways she considered dangerous to the animals.
She said she eventually put up a Palestinian flag at the zoo and refused entry to the group. She alleged that threats followed, including messages threatening to harm her family and burn down her home. She said a more recent message threatened to burn the zoo.
According to Jindarat, the group also allegedly harassed or mistreated animals, ignored instructions when feeding them, opened cages and allowed animals that did not get along to come into contact with each other.
She alleged that on one occasion, a visitor entered a bird enclosure despite disliking birds. After a bird landed on the person’s shoulder, the visitor allegedly struck it, causing it to collapse and die.
She also accused members of the group of taking food and milk bottles from other visitors to feed animals, and allowing incompatible animals to come into contact, resulting in injuries.
Jindarat said the group also allegedly entered the zoo without paying, saying they would pay if they were satisfied after visiting. After spending about an hour inside, they allegedly sought a refund after a child stepped in chicken droppings after removing their shoes, despite signs instructing visitors not to do so.
She also said she became concerned after allegedly seeing a vehicle repeatedly parked and circling near her home. Thai and foreign residents on Koh Samui had since approached her to offer support and claimed they had witnessed similar incidents but were afraid to speak publicly, she said.
Jindarat stressed that displaying the Palestinian flag and refusing entry to the group was intended to protect her business and staff, rather than create conflict with people of any nationality.
She called on investigators to examine all parties involved, including whether anyone living or operating businesses on Koh Samui had provided support to the tourists. She said she wanted everyone in Thailand, regardless of nationality, to follow Thai laws and regulations.
Sukh said he became involved after receiving a complaint from the zoo operator and had coordinated with relevant authorities, including the Crime Suppression Division, to investigate the allegations and provide assistance.
Jindarat also addressed reports that the visas of people involved could be revoked, saying she had not received confirmation that any visas would actually be cancelled. Her lawyer had advised that any such action would require an investigation into the facts and the alleged offences, rather than being carried out immediately.
She also acknowledged that her husband had gone to a business operated by the other party after receiving what she described as threatening and provocative messages. However, she denied allegations that he threatened to prevent Israelis from living on Koh Samui.
Jindarat said her husband’s trip was recorded on video, from his departure by car to his arrival, conversation at the location and return. She said the footage could be provided to authorities and made public to establish what actually happened.
She said her side was prepared to take responsibility for its own actions and would provide evidence or video footage so that authorities and the public could assess the dispute based on evidence rather than competing accusations.