Thailand has ordered the deportation of an Israeli national and the French co-owner of a Koh Samui zoo following a bitter dispute that involved a Palestinian flag, a ban on Israeli visitors, threats and physical confrontation.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday signed an order deporting French national Kevin Dimino, co-owner of Samui Exotic Park, days after ordering Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon expelled. 

Dimino's deportation order accused him of threatening and harassing behavior, physical aggression and conduct that created racial and religious divisions among tourists, Khaosod English reported.

The order also cited a Koh Samui Provincial Court ruling finding Dimino guilty of offenses under Thailand's Land Traffic Act. He was initially fined 10,000 baht ($310), reduced to 5,000 baht following his guilty plea. 

Ohayon, meanwhile, was convicted of intimidation after sending messages threatening another person's life and physical safety.

The court initially sentenced him to one month in prison and fined him 10,000 baht. Following his guilty plea, the punishment was reduced to a suspended 15-day sentence and a 5,000-baht fine.

The dispute centered on Samui Exotic Park, operated by Dimino and his Thai wife, Jindarat Sattayapun.

The park displayed a Palestinian flag after what its operators described as repeated problems with some Israeli visitors and subsequently refused entry to a group of Israelis. The controversy escalated into threats, online exchanges and confrontations. 

Videos circulating online also appeared to show Dimino headbutting an Israeli man during one confrontation.

Anutin said Thailand welcomed foreign visitors but expected them to respect Thai laws, people and customs, warning that those behaving inappropriately could be asked to leave.

Both Dimino and Ohayon have the right to appeal their respective deportation orders within seven days.