Anutin orders Israeli man deported after conviction over threatening messages
Yaacov Ohayon faces deportation after a Thai court convicted him of intimidation. He has seven days from notification to appeal the order.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on September 5, 2026, to deport Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon from Thailand following his conviction for intimidation through threatening messages.
The Interior Ministry order stated that Ohayon had sent messages threatening the victim’s life and physical safety, causing fear and alarm.
Koh Samui Provincial Court found him guilty under Section 392 of the Criminal Code, which covers causing fear or alarm through threats. It initially sentenced him to one month in prison and a fine of 10,000 baht.
His confession was considered beneficial to the proceedings and grounds for mitigation. Under Section 78 of the Criminal Code, the court halved the sentence to 15 days in prison and a fine of 5,000 baht. The prison term was suspended for two years.
The deportation order described his conduct as contrary to public order, public morals or public well-being.
It stated that deportation was necessary to protect public order or morals and that his conduct fell within the grounds for removal under Section 5 of the Deportation Act BE 2499 (1956).
Anutin issued the order in his capacity as interior minister, exercising powers under Section 5 of the Act in conjunction with Clause 4 of the Prime Minister’s Office Regulation on Deportation BE 2569 (2026).
Ohayon has the right to appeal to the prime minister under Section 8 of the Deportation Act within seven days of being notified of the order.
He may request that the deportation order be revoked or replaced with an order requiring him to leave Thailand.
