Letter to the editor – tourists horrified as they witness a murder on Chaweng Beach

During our recent stay at a lovely resort on Chaweng Beach, we were horrified and devastated by the double murder in broad daylight on the beach next to our peaceful resort. I commend you for reporting this heinous incident and wonder why main newspapers such as the Bangkok Post and Nation didn’t mention it. I think tourists should not be “kept in the dark”!

What is most distressing and disappointing to us – this was our 14th visit to Samui since 2003 – but first stay in Chaweng – was the fact that our impression of Samui has been marred by the fact that people are armed and go about seeking revenge amongst us innocent tourists. What is very upsetting is to discover the police are corrupt and the mafia and gangs periodically go into bars and restaurants shooting whoever they have a problem with, sometimes simultaneously killing innocent tourists who happen to be in the line of fire.

We are now doubting whether we will continue visiting Samui.

In addition, the oil spill was most irritating and very disappointing this visit. Never before have we ever encountered oil on any beach on Samui or any other islands we have visited. What is going on?

Sincerely,

Stephanie Jaffe