French-Thai business owners claim home arson linked to Israeli tourist dispute

A French-Thai couple, owners of Samui Exotic Park in Thailand, claim their family home in Villeurbanne, France, was targeted in an arson attack following a dispute involving Israeli tourists.

The fire occurred around 4:00 AM on August 19, damaging the property while Kevin Dimino’s mother was inside; she managed to escape safely. Preliminary investigations by French criminal police suggest a Molotov cocktail may have been used. The couple believes the attack is linked to a recent conflict after they banned Israeli nationals from their park in Koh Samui.

The dispute began when an Israeli family alleged they were denied entry based on their nationality and claimed physical assault by staff. The park owners, Jindarat Sattayapun and Kevin Dimino, admitted to the ban, citing previous issues with Israeli visitors including non-payment, animal mistreatment, and disruptive behavior. They also noted receiving death threats from an Israeli man. Thailand’s Ministry of Interior has stated it will conduct an investigation into the matter.