The Interior Ministry has defended its deportation order against French national Kevin Dimino, citing his alleged threats to public order and social harmony.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said Dimino, a co-owner of Samui Exotic Park zoo, had allegedly harassed and verbally abused the owner and teachers of a language school, assaulted a Turkish national and threatened him with a knife.

It also cited an incident in which he allegedly assaulted foreign tourists, threw a sign at them and used offensive language towards their family.

The ministry also referred to a social media post in which Dimino allegedly invited people opposed to nationals of a particular country to use his zoo for political and religious gatherings. It said the post risked associating a site in Thailand with racial, religious and political divisions.

In another incident, cabin crew reportedly asked police to remove Dimino from a domestic flight after he allegedly threatened fellow passengers, the ministry said.

The ministry said the his behaviour was against public order and public well-being, could deepen racial and religious divisions and affect Thailand's relations with other countries.

Interior Minister and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the deportation order on Monday, ordering Dimino to leave Thailand.

Immigration officers in Surat Thani arrested Dimino on Tuesday and took him to Koh Samui police station for further questioning. He is expected to be processed for removal.

Dimino's wife, Jindarat, disputed the ministry's account, saying her husband had acted to protect her after she was allegedly threatened with the closure of her business. She said the couple had prepared documents and evidence to appeal directly to the Interior Ministry by Friday.