A viral video posted on social media on 2 April shows a young Russian woman spray-painting a shamanic motif on a rock on a Koh Phangan beach. This act of vandalism has sparked a massive wave of indignation among Thai residents, who see it as an attack on nature and a total lack of respect for their island.
The clip, shared on a local Facebook page, quickly amassed hundreds of comments on Facebook. Thai internet users express unanimous anger at this « destruction of nature ».
The culprit was quickly identified by internet users: it is a dancer and performer who also presents herself as a « energy healer ». Long known in Koh Phangan, she seems to appreciate Thailand and the island's large rocks despite this controversial act.
As soon as the story blew up, the young girl suspended all her social media accounts. As usual, the locals' reactions are particularly virulent: many denounce limitless tourism facilitated by the visa-free policy and believe this incident illustrates a gradual loss of control over their own territory.
Comments repeat that « if a Thai had done this, they would already be in prison ». Others accuse local and national authorities of leniency, or even complicity through inaction.
« The locals won't accept handing the island over to foreigners », writes one of the most shared voices. Several residents call for exemplary sanctions: immediate arrest, heavy fine, obligation to clean the rock by hand…
Some residents fear a copycat effect: « Tomorrow, others will follow her example ». Others still point the finger at the visa-free policy which, according to them, attracts « low-quality tourists » with no respect for Thai culture and environment.