French national deported from Thailand after sparking tension in Koh Samui

BANGKOK - A French national, Kevin Dimino, has been ordered to leave Thailand after authorities found that he had engaged in threatening, disruptive and tension-causing behaviour that undermined public order on the resort island of Koh Samui.

The deportation order was issued under Thai Ministry of Interior Order No. 2354/2569 dated 7 Sept 2026 and signed by prime minister and Home Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

According to the order, Dimino was accused of conduct including making threats, causing disturbances, committing physical assault and creating nuisance to others.

He was also accused of stirring racial and religious divisions, including among tourists, besides carrying out acts that could endanger individuals or property without regard for the safety and wellbeing of others.

The document states that such conduct was deemed contrary to public order, public morality and the welfare of the people, forming the basis for the decision to deport him from Thailand.

The order also took into account a ruling by the Koh Samui Provincial Court, which found Dimino guilty under Thailand's Road Traffic Act 1979, specifically Sections 43(4), 43(8) and 158/1(2).

The court initially imposed a fine of 10,000 baht (about RM1,230), but after Dimino pleaded guilty and his admission was considered to have assisted the court's deliberation, the sentence was halved to 5,000 baht (about RM615).

Based on the order, the deportation was carried out under Section 5 of the Deportation Act 1956 (B.E. 2499) and Article 4 of the Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation 2026.

Dimino, however, has been granted the right to submit an appeal to the prime minister to request that the deportation order be revoked or that his removal from Thailand be postponed.

The appeal must be made within seven days of him becoming aware of or receiving the order, in accordance with Section 8 of the Deportation Act 1956.

Dimino, who is linked to Samui Exotic Park, is the second foreigner to face deportation under Thailand's new enforcement measures.

Previously, an Israeli national, Yaacov Ohayon, was deported after facing a case related to threats made against Dimino's family.

Thailand's Department of Provincial Administration also published Ministry of Interior Order No. 2354/2569 through its official channel, confirming that the document is the deportation order against Dimino signed by Anutin on 7 Sept 2026.