Thailand fines 'Israeli' man over death threat to zoo owner
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Thai court fines 'Israeli' man over death threat.
- Koh Samui court suspends 5,000-baht fine.
- Police probe alleged 500,000-baht murder bounty.
- Zoo owner barred 'Israeli' visitors over disputes.
The Koh Samui Provincial Court has imposed a 5,000-baht fine on an 'Israeli' man for making a threat against the life of a Thai woman who operates a local zoo, according to reports by the Bangkok Post and Khaosod English.
Koh Samui police confirmed on Thursday that prior to the court's ruling, Jindarat Sattayapun, owner of Samui Exotic Park, alongside her French-Italian husband Kevin, filed a formal complaint after an 'Israeli' national posted a threat against her life on Facebook.
Police identified the suspect in court documents only as "Mr. Jacob".
Following the complaint, police set up a checkpoint in front of Samui Exotic Park beginning August 15, subsequently arresting Jacob and bringing him before the court.
The court ordered the 5,000-baht fine but suspended its enforcement for two years, while authorities officially instructed the visitor to comply with Thai law.
Police investigate 500,000-baht bounty
Koh Samui police stated they are also searching for another suspect who allegedly claimed on social media that he was offering a 500,000-baht bounty for the zoo owner's death.
Separate reports indicate an 'Israeli' national posted online demanding that Jindarat shut down her park and leave the island.
The harassment stemmed from an August 12 incident in which an 'Israeli' couple and their two children claimed they were refused admission to Samui Exotic Park.
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee acknowledged receiving reports regarding escalating friction between the Thai zoo management and 'Israeli' expatriates living on Koh Samui.
Clarifying her decision, Jindarat explained that she began refusing entry to 'Israeli' visitors after several individuals allegedly refused to pay entry fees, took animal feed from other patrons' baskets, violated park regulations, and squirted milk into the faces of her pigs.
