Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Authorities and residents on Koh Phangan are seeking a foreign tourist accused of spray-painting slogans across public spaces on the island, sparking public anger and concern over damages. The incident, which surfaced online on 2 February 2026, has prompted calls for swift legal action after images of the vandalism spread widely on social media.

According to posts shared by local Facebook users, a male foreign tourist has been travelling around Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province using red spray paint to mark public property. The individual, nicknamed “MR. SPRAY” by residents, is alleged to have defaced more than 40 locations across the island.

The markings include some English words and symbolic messages sprayed on roadside signs, electricity poles, rubbish bins, road surfaces, traffic signs, and kilometre markers belonging to the Highways Department. Among the visible slogans were “SAVE GAZA” on roadside information signs and “LIBRE”, meaning “free” in Spanish or French, painted on utility poles.

Local residents said the graffiti has significantly reduced the visual appeal of the island, which is known for its natural scenery and tourism economy. Many of the defaced objects are public assets and some are considered government property, raising the seriousness of the alleged offences.

Images circulating online show the suspect’s face and his vehicle, described as a white-and-red off-road style motorcycle. Residents reported that the man is believed to be aged between 55 and 65 and staying in the Haad Yao area, prompting calls for the public to help identify his whereabouts and notify police.

Community members and tourism operators on Koh Phangan have criticised the behaviour as irresponsible and disrespectful of Thai law. They warned that such actions undermine long-standing efforts by locals to preserve the island’s environment and reputation as a tourist destination.

Under Thai law, the alleged actions may constitute offences under multiple statutes. These include the Public Cleansing and Orderliness Act 1992, which carries a maximum fine of 5,000 baht, and Section 360 of the Criminal Code for damaging public property, which allows penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Matichon reported that police at Koh Phangan Police Station have been urged to locate the suspect and proceed with legal action to prevent similar behaviour by other visitors. Investigations are ongoing as residents continue to provide information to authorities.

Key Takeaways

• A foreign tourist is being sought for spray-painting more than 40 public locations on Koh Phangan.

• The graffiti targeted public and government property, prompting strong reactions from residents and businesses.

• The suspect may face fines or imprisonment under Thai cleanliness and criminal damage laws.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon 2026-02-03

 

 

"prompting calls for the public to help identify his whereabouts and notify police."

In this and other cases how is it possible for the public to help police when news media "pixels out" the alleged offenders face?

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Residents reported that the man is believed to be aged between 55 and 65 and staying in the Haad Yao area

Looks like some guys never grow up.

Benidorm Brit ?

They normally prefer violence and alcohol over spray painting.

4 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Benidorm Brit ?

They normally prefer violence and alcohol over spray painting.

Why mention the word a Brit do you have the evidence it was !!!!

8 hours ago, crazykopite said:

Why mention the word a Brit do you have the evidence it was !!!!

There's alot of 'we found the matrix' type Brits in that area. Secondly, it's most of them that are being lawless and entitled at the moment.

But as i said, this political sort of protest doesn't seem their domanin. They would write something more akin to 'our Tommy' 'We love Farage' type racist nonsense.

Who's worse? This douche or the French couple screwing on a Tuk Tuk?

Deport 'em all. Why is this country a magnet for the brainless idiots?

9 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

There's alot of 'we found the matrix' type Brits in that area. Secondly, it's most of them that are being lawless and entitled at the moment.

But as i said, this political sort of protest doesn't seem their domanin. They would write something more akin to 'our Tommy' 'We love Farage' type racist nonsense.

On 2/3/2026 at 1:09 AM, Gottfrid said:

Looks like some guys never grow up.

I agree- a complete moron

Id love to see his Social Media

Its a German guy and police looking for him.They know who he is.

9 minutes ago, norsurin said:

Its a German guy and police looking for him.They know who he is.

He looks tattered and homeless to me…….fine him, lock him up for a couple weeks then send him back to where he came from. Appears the locals know who he is, BIB go and find him.

This tool needs to be held accountable and should pay for removal of his vandalism besides jail and deportation

UPDATE

Several Thai news Facebook pages have reported that officers from Koh Pha Ngan Police Station had identified “Mr Spray” as a 58-year-old German national named Tom Heine.

Police have clarified that they are seeking the suspect for questioning, before formal charges can be filed.

The people of Gaza endure some of the most severe oppression in the world. We must commend this gentleman for his tireless advocacy for their rights. His dedication to raising awareness about the plight of Gaza is truly commendable and reflects a noble character.

3 minutes ago, nick supreme said:

The people of Gaza endure some of the most severe oppression in the world. We must commend this gentleman for his tireless advocacy for their rights. His dedication to raising awareness about the plight of Gaza is truly commendable and reflects a noble character.

3 minutes ago, nick supreme said:

The people of Gaza endure some of the most severe oppression in the world. We must commend this gentleman for his tireless advocacy for their rights. His dedication to raising awareness about the plight of Gaza is truly commendable and reflects a noble character.

Oh don't be a hypocrite and spray on your own fence

You live in a house not an apartment,put it in your front fence please surely that's not too much to ask ,but unfortunately for you it will and you will refuse to do it

UPDATE

Graffiti Tourist Apologises to Koh Phangan Residents

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A foreign tourist known online as “Mr. Spray” has apologised to residents of Koh Phangan after spray-painted messages appeared across more than 40 public locations on the island, triggering widespread local anger and national attention. The graffiti, written in English, was applied to official signs, roads, bins and electricity poles, much of it on state property. Images circulated rapidly on social media, prompting condemnation from residents and authorities.

On Tuesday, 4 February 2026, the tourist contacted Khaosod English to explain his actions and issue an apology. He said he has visited Thailand frequently since his first trip in 2001 and described Koh Phangan as a place he is particularly fond of. He added that Thai people have always treated him well during his visits.

Referring to himself as Mr. Spray and not confirming his real name, said he was shocked by what he described as changes on the island during his latest stay, claiming there are now many Israelis living there long term. He alleged that he believes some war criminals are residing in Thailand, a claim that he said made him deeply uncomfortable. He stated that his intention was to provoke discussion, saying: “My intent was to remind Israeli of their history and ask for discourse regarding war criminals.”

He also said that in Europe he has previously taken part in protests opposing Israel’s actions. Acknowledging the impact of his behaviour, he apologised, stating: “I am sorry for the damage I caused to private property,” and “I am sorry for upsetting the Phangan local community.” He said he did not expect the incident to become major news and is now concerned about the consequences.

Mr. Spray said his current options are limited and include fleeing the area, turning himself in to police, or helping to clean the signs and surfaces he defaced. He added that he wishes to apologise directly to local residents, reiterating that he feels he has always been treated kindly on the island.

Khoasod reported that in recent years, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and other Thai destinations have seen an increase in long-term Israeli visitors. This has occasionally led to complaints from local residents, including reports of “No Israel” signs at some restaurants on Koh Phangan and IDF (Israel Defense Forces) stickers appearing in certain public areas. The latest incident has added to sensitivities surrounding these issues on the island.

[Insert video here if available]

Key Takeaways

• A foreign tourist apologised after spray-painting political messages at over 40 locations on Koh Phangan.

• The individual said his actions were motivated by concerns about alleged war criminals, a claim not substantiated in the report.

• He is considering turning himself in, leaving the area, or assisting with cleaning the vandalised property.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-02-04

 

 

41 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

He stated that his intention was to provoke discussion, saying: “My intent was to remind Israeli of their history and ask for discourse regarding war criminals.”

Can someone explain how spray-painting "FREE GAZA" on random buildings could be construed by any stretch of the imagination as "asking for discourse regarding war criminals”? Wouldn't it have been more effective to express his concerns to Khaosod before he did the spray painting?

Or if he has actual knowledge of war criminals, he could have reported them to the appropriate authorities. There are several ways this can be done anonymously. Best way would be to go through the embassy of his home country or a UN office. His info would be passed on to the Royal Thai Police and informer's name wouldn't be known to Thai authorities.

I know that's hat I would do if I ever recognized a Hamas operative in Thailand.

5 hours ago, Evil Penevil said:

I know that's hat I would do if I ever recognized a Hamas operative in Thailand.

Why? Hamas are not a terrorist group in Thailand, or in fact most countries in the world, they are freedom fighters.

Just because you obviously have a big beef about them means nothing here.

16 hours ago, LALes said:

Who's worse? This douche or the French couple screwing on a Tuk Tuk?

Deport 'em all. Why is this country a magnet for the brainless idiots?

Rather ironic coming from a pensioner in Pattaya

1 minute ago, TedG said:

Hamas are terrorists.

Nonsense, the UN doesn't think so, only around 40 say they are, purely to suck up to the USA, who are plausibility complicit in Genocide as the international court says.

Around 100 countries say Hamas are freedom fighter and a resistance movement, including Thailand.

5 minutes ago, JimCM said:

Around 100 countries say Hamas are freedom fighter and a resistance movement, including Thailand.

Completely untrue .

Thailand doesn't say that Hamas are freedom fighter and a resistance movement

12 hours ago, nick supreme said:

The people of Gaza endure some of the most severe oppression in the world. We must commend this gentleman for his tireless advocacy for their rights. His dedication to raising awareness about the plight of Gaza is truly commendable and reflects a noble character.

The message isnt the issue here ,

Its unacceptable to vandalise walls and property .

No matter what is written

12 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Several Thai news Facebook pages have reported that officers from Koh Pha Ngan Police Station had identified “Mr Spray” as a 58-year-old German national named Tom Heine.

Since he's German perhaps they should be addressing him as Herr Spray.

UPDATE

German Tourist Arrested Over Koh Phangan ‘Save Gaza’ Graffiti

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A German tourist known online as “Mr Spray” has been arrested over a graffiti spree on Koh Phangan, after messages were sprayed at more than 40 public locations, prompting anger online and a police investigation. The arrest was confirmed on 4 February, marking an update to an unfolding case that drew widespread attention across Thailand.

The suspect, a 58-year-old German national, Mr. Tom Heine was tracked by officers from Immigration Bureau Division 2 to a hotel in the Sao Chingcha area of Bangkok. He was arrested under a warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court on the same day and later transferred to Koh Phangan police station for legal proceedings.

Police said the man faces charges of damaging public property and illegally spray-painting messages on walls, electricity poles and public structures. The graffiti appeared on roadside information signs, roads, rubbish bins, traffic signs and kilometre markers, many of which are state property.

Images of the English-language graffiti circulated widely online, triggering strong public reaction. Among the messages were “SAVE GAZA” painted on roadside signs and “LIBRE” sprayed on electricity poles, with markings reported at more than 40 locations across the island.

Before his arrest, the man contacted Khaosod English earlier on Wednesday to explain his actions. He said he loved Thailand and had been visiting the country frequently since first arriving in 2001, adding that he had always been treated well by Thai people.

He told the publication he was shocked by changes he observed on Koh Phangan, particularly the growing number of Israeli nationals living on the island. He further claimed he believed some “war criminals” were residing in Thailand, which made him deeply uncomfortable and prompted him to act.

Authorities have not commented on the claims made by the suspect and have focused on the alleged property damage and legal process. The case underscores the legal consequences of vandalism involving state property, regardless of political messaging.

Khoasod reported that the suspect has been transferred to local police on Koh Phangan, where investigators will proceed with formal charges. Further court proceedings are expected to follow in line with the law.

Key Takeaways

• A 58-year-old German tourist was arrested on 4 February over graffiti at more than 40 sites on Koh Phangan.

• Police say the messages damaged state property and led to charges of illegal spray-painting and vandalism.

• The suspect claimed his actions were driven by concerns about changes on the island and alleged war criminals.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-02-05

 

 

Off topic posts about Hamas removed.

Defacing public and private property is usually a fast-track way to lose sypathy for a situation.

Just another one that need revocation of his permission to stay, and deportation.

Another Banksy wannabe , no talent thit.

Hang this one up by his buster browns!

No such things as war criminals in TH.

Delusional.

So typical of how stupid the Free Palestine types are, hope he gets jail time and blacklisted.