Koh Samui
- 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…
- Thailand News
Minor earthquake hits Koh Samui amid severe weather warnings
A 2.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Koh Samui in Surat Thani, with a depth of 4 kilometres, according to the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Meteorological Department of Thailand. The event occurred at 8.24am, today, May 30, causing noticeable tremors in the area. The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Ang Thong subdistrict, Koh Samui district. Although the quake was relatively…
- Tourism News
Tourism in Koh Samui hampered by shortages and infrastructure
Efforts to boost tourism in the southern islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao are underway as the government tackles pressing issues such as water shortages and illegal businesses. Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich recently engaged with entrepreneurs from Surat Thani‘s Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan islands to address the province’s pressing tourism challenges. Koh…
- Thailand News
Foreign nationals arrested after bike rampage on Koh Samui (video)
Chaos erupted on the usually serene holiday island of Koh Samui when two foreign nationals turned the tranquil road leading to Choengmon Beach into their personal racetrack. Equipped with roaring big bikes and an audacious attitude, their disruptive antics soon drew the ire of locals. Residents, living in the northeast corner of the island, initially made a complaint to the…
- Thailand News
Koh Samui’s new cruise terminal project anchors big investors
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that Koh Samui’s ambitious new cruise terminal project has drawn substantial interest from investors both locally and internationally. The Ministry of Transport plans to review the outcomes of a feasibility study into the project’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment model before submitting it to the cabinet for approval. Manaporn provided an update on the project’s…
- Health
Things to do in Koh Samui 2024
Koh Samui, a tropical paradise nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, should be your go-to destination in 2024 for an unforgettable holiday experience. This island is a paradise brimming with various activities catering to all interests and preferences. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to discover colourful marine life or indulge in rejuvenating treatments at luxurious spas. If adventure is what…
- Thailand News
Businesswoman gifts 100 million baht estate to Thai cleaner
A businesswoman in Thailand tragically ended her life using a firearm next to the pool of her luxurious villa on Koh Samui. Before her death, the 59 year old woman named Catherine, astonishingly bequeathed her entire estate, valued at 100 million baht, to her devoted housekeeper, following a cancer diagnosis. The circumstances surrounding her suicide remain a mystery, as CCTV…
- Thailand News
British tourist left high and dry as hotel vanishes on Koh Samui
An idyllic Thai getaway turned into a financial nightmare for a 30 year old British tourist when he landed on Koh Samui only to discover his booked hotel was nowhere to be found. Glen Parke had his holiday dreams turn into a financial quagmire when he shelled out £282 (approximately 13,000 baht) for a 59-night stay at Lek Lek Residence…
- Koh Samui Travel
Island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand
Many individuals fantasize about going island hopping in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand. Nothing compares to sitting on the sun-drenched deck of a boat, gazing out at the mesmerizing turquoise waters and dreaming of the adventure that lies on the next island. Scattered like pearls across the shallow inlet in the southwestern South China Sea, the islands in the Gulf of…
- Thailand News
Thai PM announces feasibility study for Samui Airport expansion
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that a feasibility study for the expansion of Samui Airport is currently being conducted. The proposed expansion aims to accommodate larger aircraft and an increasing number of visitors. PM Srettha, accompanied by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Deputy Agriculture Minister Chaiya Promma, conducted an official visit to the airport as part of…
- Thailand News
Kazakh woman nabbed for illegal online sex services on Koh Samui
Surat Thani immigration authorities recently apprehended a 35 year old woman from Kazakhstan for illegally selling sexual services online. The arrest occurred in a hotel room on the island of Koh Samui as part of a crackdown on foreign criminal activities in Thailand. The investigation, led by Police Captain Psathorn Saenyindee, was informed by a tip-off from a concerned foreign…
- Thailand News
Koh Samui sees tourism surge as summer heats up
Foreign tourists have been descending in droves on Koh Samui, Surat Thani, with local media reporting that the island’s tranquil environment and idyllic beaches are proving irresistible to visitors. Wednesday saw Bangkok Airways completely booked for 43 flights throughout the month, suggesting a daily influx of over 4,500 individuals to the popular island. Koh Samui, known for its relaxing atmosphere,…
- Lifestyle
Samui sensation: Nikki Beach Koh Samui celebrated its 15th anniversary with a White Party
The famous Nikki Beach brand opened its beach club in Koh Samui in 2009, and their very first resort opened at the location shortly after, a decision deeply rooted in their commitment to celebrating life and sharing life’s moments with friends and family. Fifteen years later, the iconic property is still one of the most decadent and vibrant beachfront properties…
