Frenchman in Spider-Man suit held after protest at Samui Exotic Park

A Frenchman in a Spider-Man costume was arrested on Koh Samui after trespassing at Samui Exotic Park and removing a sign restricting Israeli visitors. The 36-year-old man, known as Sasha, was charged with trespassing and had 80 Pokémon cards, two Pokémon dolls, a banner promoting peace, the costume and another banner banning Israeli visitors seized by police.

The incident followed a video Sasha posted, in which he removed the sign declaring a ban on Israeli visitors from the park. The park had been the site of disputes and threats involving Israeli visitors, leading to the Thai-French park owner's deportation. Sasha claimed he removed the sign to promote peace among foreign tourists.

Police found that Sasha had a valid non-immigrant visa until July 2027 and worked as a marketing manager in Koh Samui. His father, Stefan, was also arrested earlier this year over allegations of running an illegal hotel using Thai nominees. Under Section 364 of the Criminal Law, Sasha faces up to a year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.