Latest News & Updates

Jul 24, 2026

Koh Samui has earned another major international accolade after being crowned Best Island in the Asia-Pacific at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026. The island's success didn't stop there, with Samui International Airport and five luxury resorts also securing top-10 rankings in their respective categories. The announcement was welcomed by Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksamisaengchan, who said the awards highlight Koh Samui's ability to provide a world-class luxury travel experience while preserving the island's natural beauty and environment. Samui Airport Ranked Among Asia-Pacific's Best Samui International Airport was named the second-best airport in the Asia-Pacific region, finishing behind Singapore's renowned Changi Airport. Travel + Leisure praised the airport for its unique open-air tropical design, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, as well as its high standard of passenger service. Five Koh Samui Resorts Make Thailand's Top 10 Luxury accommodation on the island also received widespread recognition, with five Koh Samui resorts ranking among Thailand's best beach and island resorts: Cape Fahn Hotel – 2nd place Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui – 5th place Kimpton Kitalay Samui – 7th place Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort – 8th place Centara Reserve Samui – 9th place The strong showing reinforces Koh Samui's reputation as one of Thailand's premier luxury travel destinations. Government Plans Further Tourism Development Thai officials say the awards provide additional momentum for future tourism development. The government plans to continue investing in sustainable tourism, improve visitor safety, strengthen transport connections, and ensure that tourism income benefits local communities. Officials also revealed that new infrastructure projects are being planned to improve air access to islands along Thailand's Andaman coast, while promoting island tourism as a model for environmentally responsible development. Crackdown on Illegal Business Networks Separately, tourism operators on both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan have expressed support for an ongoing government crackdown on organised "mafia" networks operating on the islands. Authorities are investigating allegations involving extortion, price gouging, and the use of nominee business structures to conceal foreign ownership. Inspections by government agencies are already underway as part of efforts to protect the reputation of Thailand's island tourism industry.

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Jun 23, 2026

Tourism industry representatives from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan have voiced their support behind a government crackdown on “mafia-linked influence networks” in Thailand, warning that extortion, price gouging, and illegal land occupation are damaging the islands’ reputations and undermining fair competition.Ratchaporn Poolsawat, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand and former president of the Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association, noted that the term “mafia” in a tourism context extends beyond traditional organised crime.Businesses that exploit tourists, monopolise public spaces for private gain, or use illegal nominees to conceal foreign ownership are also considered “mafia”.The private sector is calling on the government to adopt a zero-tolerance approach, with equal and consistent enforcement of the law across all operators.Koh Samui and Koh Phangan authorities have already begun conducting inspections, focusing on dismantling nominee structures used by foreign capital to hold assets and operate businesses illegally.Representatives also called for stricter screening of foreign nationals seeking to do business in Thailand, urging immigration officials to conduct more rigorous background checks to filter out those who do not qualify as genuine tourists or investors.State agencies are working to regulate public transport on the islands to prevent monopolisation and disruption to tourists.Ratchaporn said the industry's biggest concern is maintaining a positive image, as incidents of confrontation between tourists and local criminal networks spread widely and make destinations appear unsafe.

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May 18, 2026

At least eight people were killed and more than 10 injured after a train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing near Bangkok’s Makkasan Airport Rail Link Station on May 16. The crash caused a major fire involving the bus, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with thick smoke visible across the area. Witness footage appeared to show the train striking the bus directly on the tracks. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, including whether warning signals or traffic violations played a role. The crossing has reportedly seen several accidents in the past.

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May 14, 2026

Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul visited Koh Phangan on Wednesday as nearly 300 officers launched a major crackdown on suspected illegal foreign business networks. Authorities raided 27 companies linked to 37 land plots, investigating alleged nominee ownership schemes used to hide foreign control of businesses and land. Investigators say almost 68% of registered businesses on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui involve foreign investment. Probes are focusing on firms and land holdings linked to Israeli, French, British and Russian investors. One foreign national and three Thai nationals were arrested during the operation for allegedly running a business using proxy ownership structures to bypass Thai law.

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May 14, 2026

Photographer Mark Hampson, now based in Koh Samui, is gaining attention for his bold and cinematic portrait photography that blends dramatic lighting, vivid colors, and creative outdoor settings. Through Mark Hampson Photography, Hampson showcases a portfolio ranging from fashion and wedding photography to stylized location shoots across Thailand.Known for his energetic and hands-on shooting style, Hampson often incorporates custom props, natural landscapes, and atmospheric compositions to create striking visual storytelling. His growing body of work has attracted collaborations with models and creatives both locally and internationally

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