Latest News & Updates

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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