Anutin Orders Deportation of Israeli Man Convicted of Threats on Koh Samui

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed an order deporting Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon from Thailand after he was convicted of threatening another person and causing fear or alarm. The order, signed on 5 September, said Ohayon had sent threatening messages to the victim, warning that their life and physical safety would be at risk. The Koh Samui Provincial Court found Ohayon guilty under Section 392 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, which covers causing another person fear or alarm through threats. The court initially sentenced him to one month in prison and a 10,000-baht fine. After he pleaded guilty and received a sentence reduction, the punishment was reduced to 15 days in prison and a 5,000-baht fine. The prison sentence was suspended for two years. The Interior Ministry said Ohayon’s conduct was considered contrary to public order, good morals or public welfare, making him eligible for deportation under Section 5 of the 1956 Deportation Act. Anutin therefore ordered Ohayon to leave the Kingdom under the act and a 2026 regulation governing deportation. Ohayon has the right to appeal the order to the prime minister within seven days of being notified. He may ask for the deportation order to be revoked or for an order allowing him to leave Thailand.