October 22, 2025Oct 22 https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2025/10/18/koh-phangan-faces-illegal-development-crisis-in-protected-areas/ The once laid back island is out of control with villas being built in protected forest areas and a popular bar having to be renovated after an “All …… Party” on October 6. I nearly moved there, glad I didn’t now and contribute to the problems local people are having to deal with. Complaints allege foreign groups are systematically using Thai nominees to purchase prime beachfront and hillside properties, then clearing vegetation and erecting illegal structures—damaging ecosystems, degrading coral reefs, and overwhelming the island’s waste management and wastewater treatment capacity.
October 22, 2025Oct 22 Popular Post Another trip I had to cancel. All because of rampant Israeli migration there. Fo shame.
October 22, 2025Oct 22 Popular Post It's them again. Demolish that illegal building and remove the stain from Thailand.
October 22, 2025Oct 22 Popular Post 2 hours ago, chippendale said: It's them again. Demolish that illegal building and remove the stain from Thailand. With this logic you have a whole lot of thai stain that needs to be removed as well. Make sure you scream just as loud for that.....right ? It should also be noted that this would never have been possible without heavy involvevent from locals.
October 22, 2025Oct 22 Popular Post 2 hours ago, MalcolmB said: Complaints allege foreign groups are systematically using Thai nominees to purchase prime beachfront and hillside properties, then clearing vegetation and erecting illegal structures—damaging ecosystems, degrading coral reefs, and overwhelming the island’s waste management and wastewater treatment capacity None of this would be possible without heavy involvement from thai locals.....
October 22, 2025Oct 22 I guess something similar happened around Mu Si/Pak Chong...........amazing the number of very large, half built houses set into the hillsides.
October 22, 2025Oct 22 WTF is going on in Koh Phangan? have they got a new sheriff in town, busted some Russians bike and car rental company today,
October 22, 2025Oct 22 34 minutes ago, ChipButty said: WTF is going on in Koh Phangan? have they got a new sheriff in town, busted some Russians bike and car rental company today, From my 20+ years experience of Samui, BKK occasionally send a new team down to Surat Thani. Just to make sure things are above board and all in order. That cuts across to Samui and Koh Phangan - making sure nobody is getting too greedy or out of hand. Not sure the tentacles reach quite as far as Koh Tao. Maybe even the BIB from BKK are scared of treading on those toes?....
October 22, 2025Oct 22 16 hours ago, MalcolmB said: Complaints allege foreign groups are systematically using Thai nominees to purchase prime beachfront and hillside properties, then clearing vegetation and erecting illegal structures—damaging ecosystems, degrading coral reefs, and overwhelming the island’s waste management and wastewater treatment capacity. Complaints from who? Clearly, authorities are aware of what's going on. You're getting in over your head. It's not something for you or any of us clowns on AN to manage.
October 22, 2025Oct 22 1 hour ago, ChipButty said: WTF is going on in Koh Phangan? have they got a new sheriff in town, busted some Russians bike and car rental company today, It's a crackdown because of the Israelis.
October 22, 2025Oct 22 Author 1 hour ago, Cameroni said: It's a crackdown because of the Israelis. Might be similar to a few months back when the Israeli Embassy issued guidelines to promote the good image and dignity of Israeli nationals in the Thailand after experiencing backlash over unruly behaviour in Pai district of Mae Hong Son province. The problem is all nationalities get caught up in it, extra paperwork, extra compliance etc. The Thais are usually relaxed with enforcing laws until the Thai people start complaining and then they can go the opposite. This is in the national news, not just local so I think there will be more foreigners getting caught out. It will probably get very messy for quite a few now. I am glad I have no investments there.
October 22, 2025Oct 22 7 minutes ago, MalcolmB said: Might be similar to a few months back when the Israeli Embassy issued guidelines to promote the good image and dignity of Israeli nationals in the Thailand after experiencing backlash over unruly behaviour in Pai district of Mae Hong Son province. The problem is all nationalities get caught up in it, extra paperwork, extra compliance etc. The Thais are usually relaxed with enforcing laws until the Thai people start complaining and then they can go the opposite. This is in the national news, not just local so I think there will be more foreigners getting caught out. It will probably get very messy for quite a few now. I am glad I have no investments there. Yes, too bad one can't furnish the Thai police with a typical photo of an Israeli, because they're so genetically diverse...it would make it easier for them. But the bleeding heart liberals would probably call it racial profiling.
October 22, 2025Oct 22 1 hour ago, save the frogs said: Complaints from who? Clearly, authorities are aware of what's going on. Good question. I think the answer is very straight forward - money, follow the money. Some "pi" did not get his "cut/cuts" or somehow was not satisfied with the deal/deals so he decided to push the "legal button". Happens everywhere. Corals-schmorals my a$$!
October 22, 2025Oct 22 Author 1 hour ago, save the frogs said: Complaints from who? Local Thais I would think. It isn’t that big an island, most of the older Thai families would know each other.
October 23, 2025Oct 23 I've been reading some other articles more in depth, somebody has Pi$$ed somebody off there, stay away from them islands,
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