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- Former Israeli Commando Arrested for Illegal Tour Guiding on Koh Phangan
Picture courtesy of 3Plus NEWS
A former Israeli special forces soldier has been arrested on Koh Phangan for working as an unlicensed tour guide, allegedly taking jobs away from locals.On 8th April, Thai Tourism Police, led by Major General Saksira Phuek-aum, acted on complaints that a foreigner was illegally operating as a tour guide.
Officers discovered David, a 45-year-old former Israeli commando, guiding a group of foreign children at the Wat Maduea Wan temple and the Wang Sai Waterfall.
David admitted he was a former military operative who had turned to guiding Israeli children around Thailand for a fee.
His WhatsApp account featured a group named “Nature Trips with Uncle,” offering tours for 800 baht per day or up to 8,000 baht weekly, visiting sites like Wat Maduea Wan and Zoo Cafe.
Law enforcement charged David with working as a tour guide without a licence and performing unauthorised work as a foreign national. He now faces legal proceedings on Koh Phangan.
This incident has prompted authorities to intensify their crackdown on illegal activities by foreigners in tourist hotspots, aiming to enhance security and maintain a positive image ahead of the Songkran festival.
Based on a story by 3Plus NEWS
-- 2025-04-09
9 April 09 20251357232 - British Expat Finds Bliss in Thai Paradise, Won’t Return Home
Pictures courtesy of Claudia tiktok.com/@
islandlifewithclaudia A British expat, Claudia, has exchanged the gloomy skies of the UK for the sunlit beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand, and vows to never go back. Since her move in 2023, she’s been narrating her idyllic island life to thousands on TikTok, highlighting the wonderful lifestyle and lower cost of living that Thailand offers.
Claudia, a social media strategist originally from the UK, claims she left the UK's dreary weather, negativity, and cost-of-living woes behind.
On her TikTok account @islandlifewithclaudia, she shares her daily experiences, revealing that even mundane tasks seem enjoyable under Koh Samui’s sunny skies. Claudia mentions, "In the UK, you get maybe two months of good weather a year. Here, I wake up to blue skies and go paddleboarding."
Beyond the weather, Claudia has benefited from Thailand's noticeably lower expenses in outsourcing tasks. Claudia amazes followers with tales of minimal household chores and has garnered attention with a video seen over 300,000 times detailing tasks she outsources—cleaning, laundry, and cooking—showing the ease and affordability found in this tropical setting.
She explains hiring household help costs between 440 and 880 baht (£10-£20) for a full clean, providing more time for business pursuits.
Such lifestyle choices have sparked conversation on her platform. While some viewers praise the freedom, others have criticised the ease at which she lives. However, Claudia argues, "It's not lazy—it's smart. I use the extra time to scale my business," reinforcing the idea that outsourcing is not just about convenience but supports the local economy.
Claudia’s experience mirrors others like her from the UK. Another British expat, Celine Diffin, moved to Vietnam for similar reasons, also enjoying a reduced cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle. The Diffins pay just 19,000 baht (£432) monthly for accommodation with affordable dining options.
As more Brits consider moving east for better living conditions, Claudia’s Thai adventure remains blissful, with no intention of retreating to UK shores. Her message resonates: paradise and affordability await those ready to embrace change in Asia’s thriving expat communities.
Based on a story by The Thaiger
-- 2025-04-01
1 April 01 20251356411 - Search Operation Rescues Two Lost Italian Tourists on Koh Phangan
Picture courtesy of Khoasod.
A major search operation was launched on Koh Phangan after two Italian tourists went missing in a forested area near Haad Khom on the island. The pair were safely located after more than three hours of coordinated efforts by local authorities.
The incident occurred during the night of 11 April, when Pol. Lt. Winij Boonchit, from Tourist Police Sub-Division 5, Division 2, Region 3, received an urgent alert from the Italian Embassy via the Tourist Police hotline 1155. The report stated that two female tourists had lost their way in the jungle in Moo 7, Koh Phangan Sub-district.
In response, local officials led by Mr. Paisit Thongjoem, Acting District Chief of Koh Phangan, in cooperation with Pol. Col. Apichat Chansamret, Superintendent of Koh Phangan Police Station, and Mr. Akkaraphon Phunphon, Assistant District Chief for Security, established an emergency command centre to coordinate the search.
Around 50 officers from various agencies, including the Tourist Police, National Park staff, Koh Phangan Rescue, and local police, joined the mission to locate the tourists, identified as Ms. Maria Florencia Abaca and Ms. Linda Raterro, both of Italian nationality.
The women, who had managed to contact authorities and share their GPS coordinates, reported they were not injured but were unable to find their way back from the forest trail. The rescue operation was hampered by heavy rain, but the search teams were able to locate and assist the pair to safety.
Tourist Police officers later escorted the women back to their accommodation, including retrieving their motorbike. Both tourists expressed their gratitude to the authorities for the swift and professional assistance.
Mr. Paisit emphasised the district’s strong commitment to ensuring the safety of all visitors. He noted that Koh Phangan remains dedicated to building confidence in travel safety through collaborative efforts among all local agencies.
-- 2025-04-12
12 April 12 20251357586 - Trump Tariffs Threaten Samui's Tourist Influx
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia
Thailand's glittering tourism sector braces itself as Donald Trump's new tariff policy threatens a slowdown in American visitors.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is closely watching how these tariffs might dent the spending power of US tourists eager to visit Samui, fuelled by the newfound fame of The White Lotus TV series. This could mean a lost opportunity for Thai tourism operators to cash in on the show's popularity.
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, a leading figure in Thailand's tourism sector, expressed concerns over the impact of increased US tariffs, warning that rising living costs stateside may force potential tourists to cut down on foreign travel.
Thailand could still appeal to cost-conscious foreigners looking to relocate to warmer, more budget-friendly pastures, but the direct impact on American tourist numbers is worrying.
In recent months, TAT has noted a significant rise in US visitors, totalling 320,631 by March end, a 14.4% hike compared to last year.
A graphic testament to the potential threat tariffs pose, given that the country tallied over 1.03 million US visitors in 2024 alone. In an effort to keep numbers climbing, TAT is launching joint promotions with airlines to maintain momentum and counter any downturn from tariff impacts.
Airlines are expanding their service to Thailand, with United Airlines planning daily flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco starting October, and Air Canada and Delta upping their game as well.
The TAT remains hopeful but cautious, awaiting to see how these tariffs will play out on the global economic stage and influence long-haul travel—certainly a concern for US traveller numbers venturing to the Land of Smiles.
Based on a story by Bangkok Post
-- 2025-04-08
8 April 08 20251357118 - Australian Teen Dies in Koh Samui Motorbike Collision
Picture courtesy Daily Mail
An Australian teenager's dream holiday in Thailand has ended in heartbreak. Carlos Guirguis from Melbourne lost his life in a motorbike accident on Koh Samui. The 19-year-old reportedly tried overtaking a vehicle without a helmet and lost control.
Thrown from his bike, he suffered severe head injuries and despite efforts from emergency responders, he was declared dead on-site. The crash occurred early on March 27 near a 7-Eleven store. Thai authorities found a Honda motorbike at the scene and confirmed Carlos's identity.
Carlos, an apprentice plumber, was remembered as having a "beautiful soul". The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is now aiding his grieving family through this painful time. Family, friends, and co-workers have shared warm tributes to the young man.
Neighbourhood Plumbing, his workplace, expressed grief by posting heartfelt messages honouring Carlos's kindness and positivity. His sudden death has left a profound impact on those who knew him. A family member shared on social media how they’re grappling with the loss.
Thailand's roads are notoriously dangerous, claiming nearly 15,000 lives in 2022 with over half involving motorbike accidents. The Thai government is committed to enhancing road safety measures. Yet, incidents like Carlos's serve as stark reminders of the ongoing risks for visitors.
As his loved ones mourn, they also highlight the importance of safety while travelling. This tragic incident echoes the broader issue of road safety in Thailand, urging continued efforts for improvement.
Based on a story by The Thaiger
-- 2025-04-03
3 April 03 20251356629 - British Man Dies After First Muay Thai Fight on Koh Samui
Picture courtesy of Khoasod.
A 30-year-old British man has died after participating in his first Muay Thai fight on the island of Koh Samui. The man, identified as Joseph Itai Rinomhota, collapsed after receiving a kick to the ribs during his bout at Samui International Stadium on the night of 28 March.
According to Pol. Col. Denduang Thongsrisuk, superintendent of Bo Phut Police Station, officers received a report of the incident at 00:05 on 29 March from Thai International Hospital, where Rinomhota was pronounced dead. Authorities, along with medical staff from Koh Samui Hospital, conducted a preliminary post-mortem examination at the scene.
Rinomhota’s trainer, Nanthawat, reported that the British fighter entered the ring at approximately 21:30 for his debut match. In the third round, the referee stopped the fight after Rinomhota sustained a heavy kick to his right ribcage.
Despite being able to leave the ring unaided and remove his gloves normally, he began experiencing muscle spasms, breathing difficulties, and dizziness while unwrapping his hand wraps. About five minutes later, he collapsed and his heart stopped beating.
Emergency responders performed CPR at the venue before transporting him to Thai International Hospital, where medical staff attempted resuscitation for approximately one hour before declaring him dead at 23:00.
Immigration records indicate that Rinomhota had travelled to Thailand nine times, entering under various visa exemptions, including a 30-day visa-free entry and a 60-day temporary stay permit.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of death and will coordinate with the British Embassy regarding further arrangements.
-- 2025-03-30
29 March 29 20251356186 - Appeals Court confirms 2 years jail sentence to Danish resort manager
The Appeals Court on Koh Samui convicted yesterday 21 March 2024 the Danish former resort manager Stig Wulff and his wife to two years and five months in prison for fraud in connection with the transfer of shares in the resort, in which the Dane was previously a managing director, from himself and his British partner to his wife.The sentence was a confirmation of the sentence which the Criminal Court on Koh Samui first metered out to the Danish-Thai couple. In Thailand, when the lower court and the appeals court reach the same verdict, the case can under normal circumstances not be appealed once again.
The court permitted, however, the lawyer of the Dane, Suwatchai Sawasdi, to post bail for his release during the time until the second case against the Dane will be finished in court next month. While the first case was a criminal case, this second case is a civil lawsuit in which the former partner of the Danish man demands compensation from the Dane and his wife for losing the ownership of their Koh PhangAn property to a local loan shark after they had transferred all the shares to the wife.
by Gregers Møller
Full story: ScandAsia 2024-03-22
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21 March 21 20241322962 - Unveiled: Secret Drug Removed from Scene of Shane Warne’s Thailand Death
Picture courtesy of Thai Police
Startling new allegations have surfaced about what truly unfolded during the tragic death of cricket legend Shane Warne in March 2022. Details have pierced through the official narrative, suggesting that a potent sex drug was discreetly taken away by police from the scene, clouding the already hazy circumstances of his passing.
Shane Warne, a celebrated Australian spinner, died on the Thai island of Koh Samui, reportedly of natural causes related to a congenital heart condition. However, a covert police source claims that officers were instructed to secretly clear a bottle of Kamagra—a vigorous erectile dysfunction drug—found beside Warne's body.
This revelation hints at an attempt to protect Warne’s storied legacy with possible intervention from high-ranking Australian figures.
Produced in India and banned in Thailand, Kamagra is a powerful medication known for its serious health risks, especially for heart patients. Despite not having official approval from Thai drug agencies, it remains a sought-after remedy among visitors in the country.
Picture courtesy of Shane Warne Facebook
Medical experts caution that medications like Kamagra can induce lethal side effects such as dizziness, blurred vision, and abnormal heart reactions.Following Warne’s demise, Thai authorities rushed his body’s repatriation, bypassing a more exhaustive investigation. At the time, officials declared that Warne grappled with existing heart issues and asthma, potentially exacerbated by an extreme liquid diet. These new claims cast shadows over the thoroughness of the original inquiry.
The cricketing legend spent his final moments at the upscale Samujana Villas. He was in the midst of unwinding when the situation took a grave turn. He had engaged in massages and planned to enjoy a foot massage by the pool—an arrangement that never came to pass as he was discovered lifeless by his friend Andrew Neophitou.
The sudden closure of Lana Health Massage, where Warne had spent part of his day, and the vanishing act of the massage therapists, who were questioned during the investigation, further deepen the mystery. Their unexplained disappearance feeds into the swirling speculations surrounding Warne’s untimely death.
As the world absorbs these revelations, the aura of intrigue surrounding one of cricket’s most magnetic figures only thickens. What truly happened in Warne’s final hours remains enveloped in drama and secrecy, as the world longs for clarity in this tangled tale.
Based on a story by The Thaiger
-- 2025-03-31
30 March 30 20251356218 - Police Bust Illegal Poker Operation in Koh Samui, Arrest Five
Photo courtesy of MGR online
Over the past weekend, authorities from Bo Phut Police Station, alongside Surat Thani Immigration officials, conducted a successful raid on an illegal gambling operation in Koh Samui. The suspects were discovered playing poker in a rented building near Khao Phra Hill, following investigations into the Facebook page "Immoreal House Samui," which was allegedly used to organise the gambling events.
The raid resulted in the arrest of five individuals: four foreigners and one Thai citizen. The foreign nationals were identified as Mr. Aleksandr (Russian), Mr. Ruslan (Ukrainian), Mr. Stanley (French), and Mr. Dmitrii (Russian). The Thai citizen, Mr. Muhamad, admitted to managing the Facebook page and organising the venue for these gambling sessions.
Authorities seized numerous items, including two mobile poker tables, 20 decks of playing cards, chips used as currency, a sand timer, CCTV equipment, and additional materials totaling 29 items.
Mr. Muhamad confessed that he had been facilitating these poker games for around five months, hosting up to four events per month. Initially operating in another Bo Phut location, the operations were moved to the current venue which was rented by another Thai individual, Mr. Fuse, who paid Mr. Muhamad a monthly fee of 10,000 baht to manage the activities.
The foreign participants admitted to their involvement in illegal gambling, and all faced charges for “engaging in unauthorized gambling involving poker for valuables.” Mr. Muhamad faced extra charges for “organizing and hosting illegal gambling activities for valuables.”
The investigation benefited from foreign informants embedded within the group, who confirmed the operations before the raid. The suspects believed their connections to high-ranking law enforcement would protect them from legal repercussions. Now, all five suspects have been taken to Bo Phut Police Station for additional questioning, with further proceedings at the Koh Samui Provincial Court. Authorities are actively seeking Mr. Fuse for further questioning regarding his involvement, reported The Phuket Express.
-- 2025-03-31
31 March 31 20251356336 - Cruise Tourism Poised for Expansion with Koh Samui Terminal
File photo for reference only
In a major boost for Thailand's tourism industry, the government has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art cruise terminal on Koh Samui, aiming to bolster the island’s economy by catering to the rising influx of international cruise visitors.
Government Spokesman Jirayu Houngsub revealed the plans on Sunday during his visit to Surat Thani, highlighting the project's strategic importance. This development follows the cabinet's approval, secured during a session in Songkhla last month, underscoring a concerted effort to enhance infrastructure and economic prospects in the southern region.
The current port facilities in Don Sak district are already operational, managing tourist vessels to Koh Samui. However, the forthcoming cruise terminal promises a substantial upgrade, with construction scheduled to commence in 2029 and an anticipated completion by 2032.
The terminal, set to be constructed over 47 rai at Laem Hin Khom in tambon Taling Ngam, about 15 kilometres from the district centre, will feature a pier capable of accommodating two large cruise ships simultaneously. These vessels will boast passenger capacities of 4,000 and 2,500 respectively.
"The government is committed to improving infrastructure in the southern region to stimulate economic growth, boost tourism, and ensure sustainable resource management," stated Mr Jirayu, underscoring the broader vision behind the development.
Local officials, including Chatchai Manee, acting mayor of Koh Samui, and Adul Raluekmoon, director of the Koh Samui Regional Marine Office, accompanied Mr Jirayu, providing updates on the island’s drainage, sewage systems, and the land expropriation process for the new terminal.
Encouragingly, local residents have reportedly expressed support for the project, with compensation plans in place for those affected by the expropriation.
The ambitious project comes with a projected cost of 12.172 billion Thai Baht and is expected to have a lifespan of 30 years. The terminal will support an estimated 120 cruise routes annually, generating at least 8 billion Thai Baht in revenue.
The Transport Ministry foresees that the terminal will significantly elevate Koh Samui's status as a top-tier international cruise destination.
With the foundation set for long-term tourism development, Koh Samui stands ready to embrace its role as a key player in the global cruise market, promising economic prosperity for the island and beyond, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2025-03-10
9 March 09 20251354098
