Thai PM Orders Deportation of Israeli Man After Threats Against Koh Samui Zoo Owner

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the deportation of Israeli citizen Yaacov Ohayon after the Koh Samui Provincial Court convicted him of criminal intimidation under Section 392 of the Thai Penal Code.

The case followed threatening messages allegedly sent by Ohayon that caused the victim to fear for their safety.

The court found him guilty and initially sentenced him to one month in prison and a 10,000-baht fine.

However, because he confessed, the punishment was reduced by half under Section 78 of the Thai Penal Code, leaving him with a 15-day prison sentence and a 5,000-baht fine. The prison term was suspended for two years.

Although the sentence was suspended, authorities determined that Ohayon’s conduct was harmful to public order and morality.

The Interior Ministry referred to Section 5 of the Deportation Act of 1956 and related regulations in deciding that his removal from Thailand was justified as a measure to protect public peace and welfare.

The deportation order does not prevent Ohayon from challenging the decision. Under Section 8 of the Deportation Act, he has the right to petition the Prime Minister within seven days, asking for the order to be revoked or suspended.