SURAT THANI — A foreign tourist has sparked outrage on Koh Phangan after images circulated online showing him spray-painting English messages across public spaces and official signs on the island.
The incident, which surfaced on social media on 2 February, drew strong backlash from local residents and business operators, who dubbed the man “Mr. Spray”. Photos shared by a Facebook user show the tourist allegedly using red spray paint to mark more than 40 locations around the island.
The graffiti included slogans such as “SAVE GAZA” sprayed on roadside public information signs and “LIBRE” — meaning “free” in Spanish or French — on electricity poles. Other markings appeared on roads, rubbish bins, traffic signs and kilometre markers, many of which are state property. Locals said the vandalism damaged the island’s appearance and spoiled its natural scenery.
Additional images shared online showed the suspect’s face and his off-road motorcycle, described as white and red. The man, estimated to be aged between 55 and 65, was reported to be staying in the Haad Yao area. Residents urged the public to remain vigilant and provide information to police.
Villagers and tourism operators said the behaviour showed a lack of respect for Thai law and the local community, warning it could harm Koh Phangan’s tourism image. They called on Koh Phangan police to track down the suspect and take legal action to prevent copycat behaviour by other visitors.
Police said the acts could violate several laws, including the Public Cleanliness and Orderliness Act of 1992, which carries a maximum fine of 5,000 baht, and Section 360 of the Criminal Code for damaging public property, punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.
