Two British Tourists brutally attacked at Had Rin Beach on Koh Phangan Island
Well … this story might not be up-to-date but Island News Headquarters got contacted quite a few times in the last couple of weeks and so this story needs to be published as a warning to other tourists visiting the island of madness, formerly also known as Koh Phangan Paradise Island.
First Contact:
You say this web page is uncensored. I would like to know if you would run a story on the fact that my daughter and her boyfriend that were nearly killed by a man living there on April 13th 2008. He brutally assaulted them both – they neither knew him nor had even spoken to him. He has not been arrested for the crime and people need to be warned!
Second Contact:
Thank you for your reply. I have forwarded your email onto my daughter who was attacked there. She and her boyfriend were followed and both beaten unconscious for no reason by a resident guy there that they neither knew nor had even spoken to. The guy who attacked them is connected to a local bar there so people need to be warned because next time he will kill someone – we are lucky they are both alive. She will give you all the facts and details and will be in contact with you during the course of the week.
The incident was reported to the local police who have done nothing even though there was an independent resident witness! – it has also been reported to the British Embassy there. I see there is a tourist that went missing on Koh Phangan in February 2008 – there may be a connection who knows?
Third Contact:
My mum got in touch with you last week about an incident involving myself and my boyfriend in Koh Phangan last month. In short, we were assaulted by a guy close to Drop Inn bar following the Songkran celebrations on 13th April 2008. He started attacking my boyfriend for no reason and when I tried to stop him he attacked me too. We were both knocked out so remember little about the attack itself and woke up in hospital being stitched up, but there was a witness who gave us details of the bar it happened outside, and details of the man who attacked us (a Swedish guy who works in a bar called System Bogalet (not 100 per cent sure on spelling) close to Drop Inn bar – although the witness claims not to know the guy’s actual name). I was hit twice over the head, had it split open and now have permanent scarring on my forehead from the stitches, and my boyfriend was kicked and punched black and blue, attacked in the knee cap and under his eye (which needed stitching), and his ear was also torn and needed 30 stitches.
I assure you the story is true. We did take photos after the attack which I can send you if need be. We also reported the incident to the police in Thong Sala and have police statements – although our English version is markedly different from their Thai version which we have since found out from the British Embassy translates to read “we had an accident and have come to report it to claim our insurance money” or words to that effect.
Shortly after the attack, my dad posted this onto a travel forum – it will give you more detail on the attack itself. http://www.travelblog.org/Forum/Threads/9832-1.html
I am so angry about the whole thing, not least because the local Koh Phangan Police have shown absolutely no interest in following it up despite us giving them all of the information we did. I know that a lot of stuff goes on on Koh Phangan Island, but I just want people to know about what happened to us because if it makes even one person more cautious when they are out there, it might save them from going through what we have, or much worse.
And here some more info about that brutal incident from one of our undercover field agents from world infamous Had Rin beach.
“Two Swedish guys named Daniel and Marcus who had a bar business in Haadrin called ‘System Bogalet’ are currently wanted by both Swedish and British Embassies and the Thai Police are looking for them for an unprovoked hammer attack during the week of 13th April 2008 on a couple of British tourists (man and a woman) who apparently required 60 stitches to wounds between them. It is apparently being treated as attempted murder.
Apparently the couple of holidaymakers were simply walking past the bar minding their own business when the crazed attack by Daniel took place. The locals on Koh Phangan are aware that these two guys were dealing drugs and since the attack have gone into hiding somewhere in Thailand.
Marcus is described as in his early 20’s and has blonde hair and a gothic tattoo written ‘Marcus’ across his torso and Daniel is described as tall, Swedish, in his mid twenties but originally from an eastern country such as Russia. Both speak fluent English. The pair also provoked the local Thai community due to their drug dealing and similar attacks on tourists and also an attack on five Thai workers from the Cactus Bar. The two of them have been parading around like they are mafia and had even given themselves Thai names to play on this image.
If you come across either of these individuals then please contact the Thai or British embassies in Bangkok immediately.”
So … you’ve been warned many times before! Be more than cautious when travelling to the island of madness … once known as the hidden Paradise in the Gulf of Thailand … called Koh Phangan!
My name is Charlie Simmonds and I am looking for information in regard to my friend Danny Hall who disappeared after being in the backyard bar on the 25th Feb 2008. We believe he may have come to harm from a third party and we want to question Marcus and Daniel about the disappearnce of our friend. These two boys are very dangerous and mentally ill and themselves require help. They are linked to a string of extremely violent unprovoked attacks involving weapons. They are both meth amphetamine users and are displaying paranoid schitzophrenic and severe psychosis behaviour patterns. If you have any information or photos of these two boys please send them to Becki at KPG news for him to forward onto us and the police. Sincerely. Charlie Simmonds. Please , please help us get these guys taken in for care and for questioning.
i know danny the had a bar in haadrin i met them in like 2007 i dont where they are now but i can find out for you as long you aint the police
I was drinking in the bars at Thong Sala and it happend to be one of these thugs getting arrestet with extacy and coke. One of them came back 1 h later. He has a friend in had rin who boxed him out for 64K Baht. I think one name is not marcus but Magnus. I can not remamber their faces because after 20.00 my brain goes on ‘stand by’ only. And I do NOT want to meet their local friends from had rin. So please, Becki, keep my ID a secret!!! I will try to find out their whereabouts and post it here to help. A friend of mine get a woodpiece over his head from the same guys. So I want to help!!!
Hi Anonymous…
Hi there – it was my boyfriend and I who were the victims of the above mentioned attack on 13th April. That’s interesting info, thanks – can you tell me how long ago you saw them in Thong Sala getting arrested and let off? (ie a date if possible?) I am still trying to confirm whether they remain in Haad Rin or whether they have moved away from the island.
Many thanks.
hii ther i now those guy wery well ,,i now ver thay are ?
It was about a month ago. I don’t mind if people smoke and drink responsible, but all these pill and powder-boys, we don’t need that here! But here is the problem: They are under the wing of a VIP from Haad Rin, and NOBODY, who lives here can mess with this guy, not even the cops. I just called a friend and he said that these two ‘want to be mafia-guys’ left the island on Songkran-day to Bangkok to try to leave the country. I don’t know if that is to your attack or to the drugcharges. But they are not here in the moment. Good luck to bring these thugs where they belong: Bangkok- Hilton. It is time that such things get at least investigated. But don’t count on the local police on Koh Phangan, they just try to survive their way. But my thoughts are with you. By the way, this is why I don’t go to Haad Rin at night. Too old anyway. All the best!!!
It is correct that one of them (the blonde guy) is called MAGNUS – he has it tattooed in gothic writing on his stomach. Beware, as i recently heard they are now up in Khao San Road in Bangkok trying to open a bar there. They are both heavy drug users and also sell drugs so be careful if you meet them. Daniel is very tall – dark brown hair normally shaved head. Magnus is average build, blonde hair (normally shaven) with the tatoo of his name across his stomach. If you see them in Bangkok (or anywhere else)then please leave a posting here so that the couple who were attacked can get the authorities involved.
Thank you very much for the information – please keep it coming. If anyone out there has any more information on this low life then please post here.
If they are in Bangkok, let the embassy deal with them!
just noticed the item of the month. this seems to apply very well to the island these days. It gets”douche-ier” by the month.damn shame.
Hello All,
I notice that one of the above postings mentions a VIP above the law mafia type guy… Are we talking Farang or Thai? I stayed on KPG for nearly two years and since I left there from that period, things seem to be getting worse & worse all the time. Sad, is an understatement as far as I’m concerned. I have posted similar messages before now…. PLEASE be very careful on the island, never get involved in any arguments, either with Farangs or Thai’s, the island attracts grade A lunatics, it always has…! but things are getting more violent by the seems of it. GIRLS, if your over there with a group of friends, always stick together, I’ve seen people falling out with eachother and roaming around off their heads drunk… its NOT the place to do it..not like your home countries..as you can see, if something happens, more than likely nothing will be done about it or investigated, no help for you…so please be very careful… on the flipside, Many people go and dont have any problems but its always the people who are really using their head that dont – apart from all of the unprovoked attacks of course. I used to help & warn a lot of new tourists as I was helping to run a resort and have a sixth sense for possible trouble coming.. most people listened some didnt, the ones that didnt nearly always got into some trouble or another… SO its not all doom & gloom, just use your heads, stay together & enjoy the good parts of being on such an amazing island – PATIHAN OF KOHPHANGAN
I would also like to add that I hope these two guys are caught for your daughter & her boyfriends sake and as already said for other people that may come into contact with them… it sounds to me that they maybe doing meth amphetamines from the totally crazy behaviour… as for opening bars etc when your that young on KPG or anywhere in Thailand, I FULLY…100% believe that they will come into some SERIOUS trouble themselves… I’ve seen “big men” come to the island and they dont last long… they always think their some mafia kingpin! I know LOTS of important thai’s on KPG I was once at a party…blackmoon as a guy from England wanted to stab me… I got SOOO angry by it I actually turned it on him and got my thai friends to “deal” with him on my behalf, they got the police invloved and ordered him to meet up with us…(me, my thai friend and the cheif of police on KPG at the time) the guy who was totally calm when he came to this little “meeting” apologised profusely and did seem genuine.. he’d been taking methamph.. and didnt know what the hell he was doing.. I “kind of ” accepted that and the police told him to leave the day after.. he did…. he was only about 22 at the time… This is my only personal experience of an incident effecting me… but people… if someone is taking this type of drug they WILL & DO anything… meaning to or not, so be very careful indeed, especially around the parties… again I hope that these guys are caught, to be honest their karma will catch up with them no doubt and I wouldnt want to be on the receiving end of that!!!!!!! all the best everyone 🙂 PATIHAN
Hi Patihan,
Thanks for your comments. I am the gilrl who was attacked by the crazy Swedish guys and yes I think they were probably on Meths at the time from the way they acted. The thing that worries me is that everybody says “the island is messed up” but nobody does anything about the people messing it up. I know what happened to us is one small incident in many, but if we could get these guys caught then the way I see it a few more people get spared the trauma that we have been through (because, from what I understand they have done it before and WILL do it again unless caught). I have been in contact with every authority I can think of (heads of thai tourist police, British, Swedish and Thai embassies) and yet nothing seems to happen, it is SO frustrating.
Anyway good advice on keeping your wits about you out there and staying well away from trouble. You can’t always avoid it, we were just really unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but you can take steps to try and stay away from the crazy people. I’d say stick with the crowds because we strayed down a quiet back street and I think this is how the guy got to beat us up so badly, because no one was around to help.
Its a shame that such a lovely place is being spoilt by thugs who are obviously running the island. Why dont residents do something about getting the police force there to improve? Its obvious that if thugs know they are going to get away with things there is no deterrent.
If things carry on the way they are are soon no tourists will visit, jobs will be lost and the island will die. Do something residents before its too late!
We with businesses here would love to do something about these problems – and yes, our businesses this year are down – way down – due to bad press from shitheads like these. The problem is there is nothing anyone can do as the corruption as the police and the islands officials are corrupt and when incidents like this happens – well … its just farangs…. what do they care? I feel for these two so much about what happended but its hard here in Thailand to change anything – put as much pressure on media and embassies… then things may change?????
This all seems a bit negative
I have spent alot of time in koh phangan as well as thailand in general and all over the world and it is fair to say you do need to be carefull in kpg but the world seems to be a more dangerous place in general.
In thailand you do have to keep your wits about you and if you live by the sword you tend to die by the sword
but lets not forget what a wonderfull place kpg is i love it !
just remember the rules and unless your very unlucky you will have trip you will always look back on with fond memories!
these are the rules!
1.Be nice and polite and do not fight (spec with thais
2.Stay away from drugs(if you can)
3.Be very very very carefull on mopeds and roads
4.wear a condom when you get home from ladybars
5.dont go near wild dogs(my mate got a free facelift off one)
6.Dont talk to isralis they are rude lol
oh an one last thing if ever your unlucky enough to have a great big flat centerpede type thing come up the whole in your shower room dont stamp on it with no shoes on ! (trust me i Know)
Negative or not the police need to be sorted out over there. Its easy for you to say ‘remember the rules’ but you can remember the rules and still get attacked! Tourists need to know that if anything happens to them NOTHING will be done by the police and people should be aware of this risk because they assume that the police force will protect them! .
British people have a good police force and know that they can depend on the law here. They will have to decide whether they want to spend a holiday in Koh Phangan knowing that despite taking every precaution they can there are bad people on the island who can do just as they please without fear of the law. The island is run by the local mafia who make their own laws – is it really worth gambling with oyour life for a few weeks of sun????
well all i can say is ive been going there for nearly 15 years and not had one bit of trouble myself but i am 6ft 4in and 18stone maybe that makes a bit of dif ?
But most of all im polite and dont get smashed and start trouble !
But maybe im just lucky ?
Long live koh phangan i love it and going again in july
I don’t think it’s got much to do with being polite unfortunately. My boyfriend and I were just walking past this guy when he happened to go off on one and came at us with the hammer. According to witnesses, he had been trying to pick a fight with anything that moved all evening and just before we walked past had been being argumentative, with people telling him to calm down which wound him up even more. He saw us as easy targets and just went for it – took his meth induced frustration out on us. I think the point is that there are a lot of f**ked up people on the island because of the drugs they do – they’re unpredictable and selfish and a danger to innocent people there.
if i was in charge people like this would be shot but for some reason prob drugs there seems to be more an more people like this in the world an most get away with it .
sounds like you were very unlucky an in the wrong place wrong time but it could of been worse an you lived to fight another day !
lets hope these people get the karma they deserve one day
good luck and i hope you one day get over this
Well good for you mate – but that not much consolation for my daughter and her boyfriend who are the subject of this topic and who were nearly killed through no fault of their own! They were not drunk or neither did they start any trouble!
The whole point of this topic is to gain information on the thugs, and to make tourists aware that the police are useless! We want tourists to be aware of the dangers and the fact that should anything happen to them the police will do sod all – infact will corrupt justice. My daughter and her boyfriends statements which were given in English and transalted into Thai when translated back into English bore no resemblance to what they had said!
So enjoy your holiday – and just pray that nothing happens to you over there, because if it does you are on your own!
i agree with you
i was not saying it was there fault and i feel very sorry for them sounds like this guy they bumped into was a bully an crazy an yes i agree the police do nothing against thais or locals when they attack falangs unlike england where an english man cant defend his home if someone breaks in ?
what im trying to say is its sad but the whole world is getting worse and this could have happend anywhere !
i also agree that people should be warned that koh phangan can be quite dangerous and people should be carefull but you cant let bully loonys all over the world stop anyone from going somewhere they want to !
i hope your daughter and boyfriend dont let this put them off traveling and they get over this nightmare as soon as poss
best wishes
I followed all of your above rules (with the exception of the racist one–#6) and my fiance was killed by a box jellyfish on Haad Rin Nok in 2002.
The doctor tried to say it was a drunk drowning, the police said I needed 4 male witnesses…I am afraid the problems on Koh Phangan run deep.
I just would like to respond to all these negative comments!!! Look guys, I feel very sorry for what did happen to you and your boyfriend; BUT !!!!!!!!!!!!! Koh Phangan is a very nice island with beautiful people. And all yor negativ “press” here doesn’t help us to do business here. Shit happens EVERYWHERE (!!!!!!) in this world! And tell me that there is no corruption in YOUR SAFE COUNTRY. lol. Koh Phangan for life. Peace to you all
No one is denying it is a beautiful island, and im sorry this press is not good for your business. But maybe if you as a nation did something about your police force there you would get more tourists and more importantly people would be safe! Of course there is trouble everywhere in the world – but if good uncorrupt police force is in operation not only does this curb crime but it makes the place safe!!
We are talking about violence here and also deaths and missing persons (see Thani Rakkapao and Danny Hall threads) and you would be happy to cover this up for the sake of business would you? Criminlas can do what they like on your island safe in the knowledge that the police will do NOTHING!!!
Sorry – but im all for warning people before they make the decision to have a holiday there! Had my daughter know these facts before hand im sure she would have thought twice before booking her holiday there!
well goes to show we should all do our research before we travel.. come at your own risk like anywhere else in the world..love ko phangnan be back for xmas .safe travels people
I heard the reason that guy was so drunk and partying so hard was that it was his birthday that night.
I also heard that the couple reported the incident to Police on Koh Phangan and that the couple had the name of the embassy rep on Samui but that no official complaint was put to the British embassy in Thailand (neither on the island nor in Bangkok) before the couple left the country and this is maybe why it cannot be pursued properly. Its a shame if this is true as due to not putting in a report at the embassy then this may never find its deserved outcome. I really feel sorry for this couple – they were viciously attacked and now the ‘system’ is also letting them down. My sympathies go out to them and their families who have to live this nightmare.
Fucking well said
if feel very sorry 4 anyone who gets hurt or worse and its not there fault an yes kpg is quite bad an corrupt but the whole world is in a shit state an people are getting killed (try living in london )
but what can you do ?
england is on its arse an getting worse would much rather be in kpg
LONG LIVE KPG 🙂 !!!! PATIHAN
anonymous, well it is january 2009 and I have been trawling thro this site, because there was a german girl that was murdered on KPG over the weekend RIP. I find your post as a business irresponsible, totally irresponsible. There was and is a problem with this island, This isnt going to go away, our western lives are far more important than this 3 rd world attitude. The english couple will have this memory for the rest of their lives, ther german girl wont! and then Danny Hall disappeared… Thailand is now an extremely dangerous country and my advice for travellers would be to go in numbers and not alone! To negative posters, your either on drugs yourself or not mentally stable if you cant see what is happening. The Young couple who got attacked I hope you are recovering somewhat, and RIP to the many young lives lost on KPG
a resident
sorry to hear all about your problims. what i can tell you is that the two boys were told to leave and if they show there faces here again theres two bullets with there names on them. The police chief also got fuck off the island as well.We have it in hand but things happen slowly here in Thailand and if you ever want to come back to us we will take care of you just let us know when you coming.Sorry again to you..
Hi,
I hope that you both feel better and that these coward is sentenced to a long sentence in jail.
If you are doing drugs, you will have to stay responsible for your actions!
Mark
The police on Koh Phangan is totally corrupt. In your country maybe you can call the police for help. They will “protect and serve” you. Here on Koh Phangan the police is like a Mafia. The only things they do is to collect money from anybody they can catch for some reason instead of bringing them to justice. And there are many possibilities like drug dealers, illegal gamblers, illegal sideparty organizers, construction companies with illegal Burmese workers and shop owners without registrations.
And then there are this foolish tourists with the little piece of gansha in there pockets. There is much money to make. You can change the police chief how often you want, the problem will be the same after a short while.
My tip: don’t get involved in any bullshit or much better stay away from Koh Phangan!
how can i get contect with you ,,, i now wer thay staying now and wer thay hiding i thailand in bbk ,,,, i now magnus wery well fom sweden,,,, i met him in bkk ,, and he tolde me what hapend ,the hol story wat thay did to you and youre boyfrend ,, and he smile to me ,i can help you beki
Hi. I am the person you need to get in touch with. Can you tell me your email address or a telephone number and I will contact you? Many thanks.
I think its best for the person who knows where they are to email Becki then Becki forward their email to you, the victims, as you dont know who’s reading this website. best of luck – i really hope you get these guys!
To the broken couple and their father – I would consider trying to contact the new Governor and new Cheif of Police on Koh Phangan – thye are hear to clean up the island so we have been told. Ask embassi to make contact.
sorry but im scerd ,, do you have a nr so i can contact you or your father ,,,,,, im not joking i no him i have name ,,and last name ,,we went in shool to gether ,,erything is up to you now if you wont to get this guys
why don’t you just tell the police in BKK where they are? I’m sure they are on a wanted list by now so will be picked up in no time.
i wont to get a aword or somting
Hi to the person who has the info – I know you are scared – but I can’t give out my personal details on here, its not safe enough, sorry.
If you can provide a number or email address to Becki then he can forward it onto me and I will contact you.
Thanks
Or contact me via this email address – tictac_20@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks
seems people reallly have trouble distinguishing Haadrin from KPG as a whole.
i still haven’t had an issue in chaloklam and i have been visiting kpg for 12 years now.
in addition, to the parents, i apreciate your indignation and sense of helplessness, but i am not certain you know the whole story.
that said, what happened is completely wrong and no one deserves such vicious treatment
I am one of the parents concerned and I can assure you iI know the whole story in all its gory detail first hand, – and will be reminded of it every time I see my daughters scarred face thank you very much!!!!!
to the parent of the injured couple…. dont jump to the bait…. I as a mother appreciate your concern. I have been in Thailand for many years and understand what you all went through! Thank god your loved ones came home, so many dont!, it is a totally corrupt country, the youngsters come here fearless, which is wonderful, life is to be experienced but to go home in a body bag which happens so very often in this Land of Scams is becoming all too frequest. Travellers beware! another german girl murdered on this island of terror!
I have lived on koh phangnan for about six months now, i am very sorry to hear about this attack..I have seen many fights break out between westerners..i have seen fights break out between thai locals..and all i can say is..with such a high amount of alcohol and drug abuse there are going to be fights, people will die..and people will get hurt..it’s just a big risk you take when you come to the island, the best way to avoid any of this is to know your limits, i have seen a man die in front of me at a bar on the beach, and it was the worst thing i’ve seen in my life..but it does happen everywhere in the world. It does make me very sad all of what goes on, especially the danny hall case, and i have been supporting that case from day one. Please please be aware of the risks you take when you go to full moon..stick with your friends, don’t go overboard..and you will have a very good experience.
smashed over the head is a risk of coming to ur island? You are a moron
Another case.
Danny Hall.
It seems the island has its own plastic gangster rules. They wouldnt last five minutes in the real London World.
Richardsons,Krays?
You pan faced mugs couldnt dream of rubbing shoulders with us.
Go and hide you pricks
I think its you who is the moron and prick you plastic london gangster writing self boasting egotistic messages like this. I am sure your dick is extremely small to build yourself up so high. You Asshole. Leave yor name and I will gladly pass it onto the local Thai mafia and then we will see who is plastic – they will kick your ass, put a bullet in your brain and bury you in the jungle.
This is exactly what tourism to what was a beautiful country has become, the scum of society that used to frequent spain now appears in KPG because it is cheap…. Well lets hope the nicer element of tourisim discover other safer places and leave the scum of humanity behind to rot with their mafia friends. Corrupt police, what a surprise! farangs lording it pretending their own something, they own nothing except their lardie tattooeed shaven bodies that are an excuse for a human being!
I was coming with my wife in Feb 09 , and to be honest the island can keep it
holidays are supposed to be fun and enjoyable not looking over your shoulder
so unlucky kpg my cash will be spent elsewhere and i hope you sort yourselves out as i came in 92 and it was awsome
i can help u i now them ,,,
if you reply back,,if u do that claire,,, i will send u my ´nr and i give you good info
Surely if these thugs are looking at opening a bar in Koh San road and have massive tatoos while being high on drugs must stick out like sore thumbs. As anyone seen them!? if i was going out to Thailand this year i would personally look down Koh san myself. Come on people, get these lowlifes.
i now wer thay are ,how can i contact,you ,i have ther adres
I myself have been in Thailand for a while. As a man you just need to keep your wits about you.
I was having a great night in Haadrin one night, the next minute an Emo from the Drop in Bar locks me in the toilet door and holds me at knife point.
He downed my drink, spat it in my face… I was on my knees saying “no trouble, no trouble” Even though I had done nothing wrong. At the time I was the fittest Id ever been and was meant to me having a Thai Boxing fight in the ring the following week. If there was no knife I would have used self defence.
I still recomment KPG to people, Ive spent over 6 months on the Island. Just avoid the Drop in Bar! If you get anxious, surround yourself by people, and smile at every one you meet.
Most thai’s have shins like baseball bats.
Peace out. I hope the Island calms down a bit…
His name is Daniel bengtson, live in Stockholm in skärmabrink .
New info he is in thailand now in patong
And the other guy is Magnus djärv
He is in Patong and has a bar on Walking street now.