ASIA PACIFIC
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Thai zoo owner files complaint over threats by Israeli visitors
Koh Samui zoo owner alleges threats against her family and business after dispute over decision to bar Israeli visitors.
Thai zoo owner files complaint over threats by Israeli visitors
[FILE] Crowds gather for exhibit in Thailand zoo / AP

The owner of Samui Exotic Park zoo on Thailand’s Koh Samui island filed a complaint with Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau on Monday, alleging that Israeli visitors threatened to harm her family and burn down her home and business, the Thai Enquirer reported.

The Thai Enquirer said on X that the complaint followed an escalating dispute over the zoo’s decision to bar Israeli visitors and display a Palestinian flag.

The dispute began on August 12, when an Israeli family said it was denied entry because of their nationality and alleged that the owner’s French husband assaulted the father.

The zoo owners disputed the account, saying the restriction followed repeated incidents involving Israeli visitors who allegedly refused to pay admission fees, mistreated animals and violated park rules. They said a bird was struck and killed in one such incident.

Tensions escalated after the park displayed a Palestinian flag, a sign barring Israelis and an Israeli flag beside a paper shooting target.

An Israeli man was subsequently fined $154 and given a two-year suspended sentence for making threats.

Police are also investigating allegations that an Israeli male influencer living in France had offered a $15,400 bounty online.

SOURCE:Anadolu Agency