French zoo owner goes missing after Thailand orders his deportation

Surat Thani — On 8 September 2026, immigration authorities in Surat Thani are intensifying their search for Kevin Dimino, the French owner of Samui Exotic Park, after Thailand issued an order for his deportation, officials announced. Dimino, who owns the zoo on Koh Samui, has reportedly evaded capture despite being seen driving a BMW at high speed on 7 September, parking at his zoo, and then disappearing.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul authorized his deportation, but Dimino remains at large as of Tuesday. Authorities have not been able to locate or arrest him. Dimino was reportedly seen exiting his BMW and standing around his zoo before vanishing. Surat Thani immigration officials are continuing their search for the French national, who will be detained at Bo Phut Police Station if apprehended, pending procedures to return him to France.

Separately, Israeli national Yakov Ohayon, currently held at Koh Samui Police Station, is being kept at a different location to avoid potential confrontations between the two men. Both Dimino and Ohayon have the right to appeal their deportation orders to the prime minister within seven days of being notified. The ongoing dispute involving foreign nationals on Koh Samui continues to unfold.