Koh Samui
- Koh Samui News
Koh Samui luxury villas face demolition amid legal battle
A luxury villa project on Koh Samui faced legal action yesterday as local officials attempted to enforce a demolition order for 11 buildings. The project’s legal representatives intervened, preventing access and challenging the orders. Yesterday, October 21, Ramnet Jaikang, Mayor of Koh Samui, assigned an experienced legal officer, Pallop Meepian, to carry out the demolition orders issued by the municipality.…
- Tourism News
Banyan Tree Samui scoops trio of top awards
In a dazzling display of luxury, Banyan Tree Samui in southern Thailand is basking in the glow of three major international awards—all in just one week. This exclusive beachfront resort has proven it’s not just a tropical paradise, but a world-class destination that knows how to make waves in the luxury travel industry. First up, the prestigious Michelin Guide, which…
- Crime News
Koh Samui hide ‘n’ seek: Fugitive’s 19-year retreat ends in arrest
Police apprehended a fugitive on the island of Koh Samui who had been evading capture for 19 years. The 47 year old suspect was only one year away from the statute of limitations expiring for his crimes. Police, under the direction of Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and led by Major General Montri Theskhan,…
- Press Room
W Koh Samui shakes things up with a bubbly rendezvous and star mixologist
Hold onto your cocktail shakers, folks, because W Koh Samui has just pulled off a fizz-tastic event that’s got everyone buzzing. Teaming up with famed sparkling water brand Perrier, the swanky island retreat hosted W Refresh, a sensational bar takeover that’s been the talk of the town. Taking centre stage was none other than the legendary Niks Anuman, the mixology…
- Thailand News
Russian fined 5,000 baht after driving dangerously on Koh Samui
A Russian man yesterday faced a 5,000 baht fine after dangerous driving on Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Locals were impressed by the police’s swift action, though some felt the punishment was too lenient. A Thai woman took to a Facebook group called รวมพลคนสมุย (meaning Samui locals gathering) to expose the dangerous behaviour of…
- Thailand News
Thai police shut down 21 villas on Koh Samui, foreigners evicted
Police on the picturesque island of Koh Samui swooped and shut down 21 luxury villas that were built illegally on the pristine Khao Ma Ngaen mountain, leaving foreign tenants scrambling to pack their bags. Municipal, military, and ombudsman officials yesterday, September 17, slapped closure notices on the villas, which were among 46 properties constructed without permits. These villas had brazenly…
- Hot Property
The 5 best luxury villa rentals in Koh Samui by The Luxury Signature
Koh Samui has long been known as one of the world’s finest luxury travel destinations. Its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and crystal-clear waters create an idyllic setting that attracts travellers seeking an escape from the everyday grind. And opting to stay in one of Koh Samui luxury villas means you can jump right into this paradise. Luxury villas on the…
- Guides
A guide to visiting Koh Samui in 2024
Picture yourself hopping off a plane and stepping right onto the sunshine-drenched shores of Koh Samui in 2024. How exciting is that? Visiting Koh Samui is an idyllic location where the azure sea coalesces with white sand, and the coconut trees oscillate in the tropical zephyr. This is not merely wishful thinking, rather it signifies your next voyage preparation. In…
- Koh Samui News
Koh Samui eyes approval of 12.1 billion baht cruise terminal
A new cruise terminal in Koh Samui, set to open in 2032, aims to significantly boost tourism in Surat Thani, Thailand, according to Deputy Caretaker Minister Manaporn Charoensri. Manaporn, along with Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, visited Koh Samui to review the progress of major transport infrastructure projects. Suriya revealed that the ministry has several new initiatives underway to enhance…
- Koh Samui News
Australian tourists help collect rubbish on Koh Samui (video)
A group of Australian tourists on Koh Samui became an unexpected viral sensation by helping local municipal workers collect rubbish in the early morning hours. Their enthusiastic efforts, captured on video, brought smiles and laughter to viewers, especially Thais. The incident took place yesterday at around 4am, today, August 22, when the tourists, hanging off the back of a garbage…
- Thailand News
Thai man stabs transgender girlfriend to death in Koh Samui
A Thai man fatally stabbed his transgender girlfriend at a shopping mall on Koh Samui Island in the southern province of Surat Thani. He said he stabbed her to death because she insulted and belittled him. Officers from Bor Phut Police Station rushed to the shopping mall after receiving a stabbing report. The injured victim, 23 year old Rinlada, was taken to…
- Koh Samui News
Young boy found abandoned on Koh Samui beach sparks outrage (video)
A young boy was found sleeping alone on a beach on Koh Samui, abandoned by his father. A TikTok user, @chawavepetprom, shared a distressing clip revealing the boy’s dire circumstances. The incident occurred yesterday on a beach in Koh Samui, as @chawavepetprom discovered the boy, known as Kao, lying on the sand in a dangerous and unlit area. “Dirty clothes…
- Koh Samui News
Koh Samui demolishes unauthorised luxury villas on hillside
Koh Samui Municipality has demolished two luxury villas under construction without proper authorisation on a hillside in Koh Samui. The owners failed to comply with the municipality’s order to carry out the demolition themselves. Koh Samui District Chief Kampanat Klinsaowakon, alongside Colonel Dusit Kaysornkaew of the Fourth Army Region’s land investigative unit and other officials, spearheaded the operation to demolish…
- Thailand News
Drama, death, spirituality: The White Lotus season 3 teaser drops (video)
The first sneak peek of The White Lotus season 3 in Thailand has landed. The highly anticipated third season of Mike White’s hit murder mystery series, The White Lotus, was teased for just six seconds, but it revealed plenty. Despite production halts due to actors’ and writers’ strikes, everything is now back on track, with a 2025 release confirmed. The…
- Koh Samui Travel
Doubling the delicious: Flames x Eat Me celebrating oceanic and local harvest delights
InterContinental Koh Samui Resort proudly presents an exquisite five-course menu crafted by Chef Tim Butler from Eat Me Bangkok, showcasing his culinary prowess and dedication to sustainability working together with the hotel’s culinary team led by Chef Amporn. This initiative is part of InterContinental Koh Samui Resort’s commitment to redefining dining experiences through sustainable practices. Each dish is meticulously curated…
- Thailand News
Reporter and villa executive resolve dispute on Koh Samui
A dispute between a reporter and a luxury villa executive on Koh Samui island has been amicably resolved following a threatening incident during a construction inspection. The resolution came after both parties met to discuss the matter, leading to an apology and forgiveness. Channel 7 HD reporter, Sitthipong, was following officials from the state land intrusion problem-solving team on July…
- Thailand News
The White Lotus effect ignites travel frenzy on Koh Samui
Koh Samui, the idyllic paradise island in the Gulf of Thailand, is basking in a wave of tourism enthusiasm. Recent data from Agoda shows a remarkable spike in interest, with international searches for accommodation soaring by 26% and domestic searches rising by 8% in June compared to the same period last year. The surge in interest coincides with the buzz…
- Thailand News
Samui journalist threatened with violence over luxury villa report
A journalist from Channel 7 filed a complaint against the owner of some luxury villas in Koh Samui after the owner issued a violent threat against him for reporting a suspicious construction permit for the villas. Officers from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Division 4 are investigating the construction permit for 53 luxury villas of the Samui Green Cottages…
- Thailand News
Controversial sea bridge to Koh Samui stirs debate
The hotly-debated sea bridge connecting the Thai mainland to the paradise island of Koh Samui is one step closer to reality. The second phase of public hearings for this ambitious project kicked off in Surat Thani province yesterday, July 15, setting the stage for a project that promises to revolutionise travel to one of Thailand’s most beloved holiday spots. Set…
- Thailand News
Police halt illegal resort project on Koh Samui
Police have ordered an immediate halt to the construction of the Anju Cement Project, a luxury resort on Koh Samui, due to several legal violations. The project, owned by a Chinese investor group, was found to be in breach of building regulations. Police Major General Watcharin Pusit directed Police Colonel Aphisan Chairat, along with municipal engineers, to inspect the construction…
- Thailand News
Koh Samui looks for extended airport hours amid tourism surge
Tourism operators in Koh Samui are anticipating a surge in European visitors as the high season for the Gulf of Thailand approaches, advocating for extended operating hours at Samui airport to accommodate 20 additional daily flights, potentially boosting tourist numbers by 10 to 20%. President of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, highlighted expectations for a complete recovery…
- Thailand News
Koh Samui’s drought nightmare vs Phuket’s flooding chaos
Koh Samui is reeling from an acute water shortage as its reservoirs are drying up amid a prolonged drought. On the neighbouring island of Phuket, residents are battling heavy rainfall and flooding. Koh Samui’s main reservoir, with a capacity of 800,000 cubic metres, is down to a mere 10%, enough to last just two weeks. The Krajood reservoir fares slightly…
- Koh Samui News
Koh Samui with Pride Icons becomes LGBTIQA+ Paradise
Koh Samui for the past week transformed into a hub for the LGBTIQAN+ community, with stars and celebrities assembling for an unforgettable celebration on Saturday night. PRIDE NATION SAMUI INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL began last Monday, with LGBTIQAN+ people travelling from around the world to join in with the festivities. Event organisers transformed Koh Samui into a place of heartfelt expression, sexual…
- Travel
Looking for a great spa in Koh Samui? Here is a list for 2024
Koh Samui is well-loved by many for its crystal clear beaches, exciting excursions, and activities. We all know Koh Samui is a paradise for adventure and, ultimately, relaxation. Why don’t you step it up a notch by pampering yourself with the best spa treatments? Here are exceptional spas in Koh Samui you need to visit to banish your tension and…
- Thailand News
HBO exec hails Koh Samui as paradise as White Lotus filming ends
HBO’s hit series The White Lotus has just wrapped up filming on Koh Samui for its highly anticipated Season 3. Scott Schaeffer, HBO’s Senior Vice President for Production, hailed Thailand as a cinematic paradise, praising its natural splendour and skilled local crews. Schaeffer’s glowing endorsement came during a high-profile meeting with Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich and Ministry…
- Thailand News
Thailand scoops top honours in travel awards including Koh Samui
Thailand has cemented its status as a premier travel destination, sweeping the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024. Koh Samui has been crowned the Best Island in the Asia Pacific, while Samui Airport secured a commendable fourth place among the region’s best airports. Bangkok also emerged victorious, being named the Best City in the Asia Pacific. These accolades…
- Crime News
Italian arrested for cocaine sales and illegal business on Samui
Police in Surat Thani arrested an Italian man allegedly involved in selling cocaine and operating a motorbike rental business illegally on Samui Island. The arrest, made on June 18, followed an investigation by Surat Thani Immigration based on tips from concerned locals. Officers identified the suspect as 39 year old Mattio who was apprehended on Lamai Beach Road in the…
- Thailand News
Ko Samui waterfall rescue: Italian’s ordeal ends with a splash
Thai rescuers spent over three hours rescuing an Italian man who suffered injuries to his hips and legs in an accident at Na Mueang Waterfall 2 in Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Koh Samui Tourist Police were alerted to an accident at Na Mueang Waterfall 2 yesterday, June 13. An Italian man, later identified…
- Koh Samui Travel
Koh Samui’s tourism renaissance: An island reawakens
Koh Samui, Thailand’s renowned resort island, is experiencing a remarkable revival in tourism. The island has witnessed a 69% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers during the first four months of 2024, driven by an influx of domestic tourists, the opening of new international markets, and improved air connectivity. In 2023, Samui hosted 3,541,821 visitors, a balanced mix of domestic and…
- Best of
Top 6 things to do in Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Situated on the eastern coastline of Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere. It’s one of the most popular destinations for tourists, especially those from the UK, who are looking for a unique vacation experience. The beach boasts clear waters, white sands, and lush surroundings, perfect for relaxation and exploration. Whether you like water sports, exploring culture, or…
