![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2e244dd6.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2f161202.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2ea6360d.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2cc2be16.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2e3392dc.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5b9a7bad9155b.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2cc8cd16.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47fccfbcebc.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f343b5c1c.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2bf69894.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f3426b15d.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2b003206.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2c9b7883.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2bba7283.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2c8240ed.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d481c2943299.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f34af27d7.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f34bbb62b.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f348e7c28.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f34650e90.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f34378b86.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f34281a9b.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2b918a8b.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2d1629d2.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2cf0a852.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f2eb6a7e3.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f3468289b.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f3440ac4c.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d481a8c0aa7e.jpg)
![Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_5d47f34a58e25.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Koh Tao
- Also known as Ko Tao, this small island is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Koh Tao - Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the most popular activities.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Koh Tao - Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking scenery attract many visitors to this island.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Death in paradise - But this sun-soaked idyllic paradise has a dark history. A number of tourist deaths on this island in recent years have shocked the world. So much so, that Koh Tao was dubbed "death island" and "murder island" by the media.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Bernd Grotsch, 2018 - German tourist Bernd Grotsch's body was found in the jungle. He allegedly died of either heart failure, or he was bitten by a snake.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Elise Dallemagne, 2017 - In 2017, 30-year-old Elise Dallemagne from Belgium was found dead on the island. Her body was found half-eaten by lizards. The police investigation concluded that it was suicide.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Elise Dallemagne, 2017 - Though some questions remain unanswered. Security camera images were released after re-opening the case, but Dallemagne's mother doesn't believe the woman in the images is her daughter.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Elise Dallemagne, 2017 - The backpacker reportedly checked into a hotel using a fake name. Her alleged connection to the Sathya Sai Baba cult has also been debated.
© Reuters
8 / 30 Fotos
Valentina Novozhyonova, 2017 - Russian Valentina Novozhyonova, 23, disappeared from her hostel, leaving her belongings behind.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Valentina Novozhyonova, 2017 - She reportedly went diving, but she's still missing to this day. The police believe she drowned at sea.
© Reuters
10 / 30 Fotos
Luke Miller, 2016 - British backpacker Luke Miller, 26, was found dead in a swimming pool at the Sunset Bar on Sairee Beach.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Luke Miller, 2016 - The investigation concluded that he was not murdered, but his family believes otherwise.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Dimitri Povse, 2015 - Dimitri Povse's body was found hung in his room on New Year's Day.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Dimitri Povse, 2015 - The case was ruled suicide, even though the French tourist was found with his hands tied behind his back.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Christina Annesley, 2015 - On January 21, 2015, New Zealand-born Christina Annesley was also found dead in her room. The investigation concluded that there was no foul play.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - This case caught the media attention around the world. British backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and her boyfriend David Miller, 24, were found dead.
© Reuters
16 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - They were brutally murdered at Sairee Beach in September 2014.
© Reuters
17 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - Thai police launched a thorough investigation. Footprints were compared to those of local workers in the area.
© Reuters
18 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - Even DNA swabs were taken in search of the murderer.
© Reuters
19 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - Myanmarese (formerly Burma) workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty and sentenced to death. Their lawyers however, claimed that the murder weapon didn't match the suspects' DNA.
© Reuters
20 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - Soon, accusations of using the migrant workers as scapegoats to cover up the real killers started and many protests took place.
© Reuters
21 / 30 Fotos
Nick Pearson, 2014 - The 25-year-old British tourist was found floating in the sea.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Nick Pearson, 2014 - Police suspected he had fallen from a height of 50 ft (15 m) and accidentally drown. His family suspects there was foul play.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Ben Harrington, 2012 - The 32-year-old Brit was found dead after a motorcycle crash. His wallet and watch were never recovered.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Tourist death trap - But how has this island in the "Land of Smiles" become such a tourist death trap?
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Thai mafia - Reportedly, the island is ruled by a local mafia family.
© Reuters
26 / 30 Fotos
Thai Mafia - As reported by the Independent, they demand protection money and control the local police force.
© Reuters
27 / 30 Fotos
Mafia rules - Apparently, Koh Tao is not the only island to be ruled in the same way. Many others are controlled by powerful families.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Koh Tao
- Despite the risks, tourists continue to visit the island.
© Reuters
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Koh Tao
- Also known as Ko Tao, this small island is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Koh Tao - Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the most popular activities.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Koh Tao - Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking scenery attract many visitors to this island.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Death in paradise - But this sun-soaked idyllic paradise has a dark history. A number of tourist deaths on this island in recent years have shocked the world. So much so, that Koh Tao was dubbed "death island" and "murder island" by the media.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Bernd Grotsch, 2018 - German tourist Bernd Grotsch's body was found in the jungle. He allegedly died of either heart failure, or he was bitten by a snake.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Elise Dallemagne, 2017 - In 2017, 30-year-old Elise Dallemagne from Belgium was found dead on the island. Her body was found half-eaten by lizards. The police investigation concluded that it was suicide.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Elise Dallemagne, 2017 - Though some questions remain unanswered. Security camera images were released after re-opening the case, but Dallemagne's mother doesn't believe the woman in the images is her daughter.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Elise Dallemagne, 2017 - The backpacker reportedly checked into a hotel using a fake name. Her alleged connection to the Sathya Sai Baba cult has also been debated.
© Reuters
8 / 30 Fotos
Valentina Novozhyonova, 2017 - Russian Valentina Novozhyonova, 23, disappeared from her hostel, leaving her belongings behind.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Valentina Novozhyonova, 2017 - She reportedly went diving, but she's still missing to this day. The police believe she drowned at sea.
© Reuters
10 / 30 Fotos
Luke Miller, 2016 - British backpacker Luke Miller, 26, was found dead in a swimming pool at the Sunset Bar on Sairee Beach.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Luke Miller, 2016 - The investigation concluded that he was not murdered, but his family believes otherwise.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Dimitri Povse, 2015 - Dimitri Povse's body was found hung in his room on New Year's Day.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Dimitri Povse, 2015 - The case was ruled suicide, even though the French tourist was found with his hands tied behind his back.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Christina Annesley, 2015 - On January 21, 2015, New Zealand-born Christina Annesley was also found dead in her room. The investigation concluded that there was no foul play.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - This case caught the media attention around the world. British backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and her boyfriend David Miller, 24, were found dead.
© Reuters
16 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - They were brutally murdered at Sairee Beach in September 2014.
© Reuters
17 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - Thai police launched a thorough investigation. Footprints were compared to those of local workers in the area.
© Reuters
18 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - Even DNA swabs were taken in search of the murderer.
© Reuters
19 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - Myanmarese (formerly Burma) workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty and sentenced to death. Their lawyers however, claimed that the murder weapon didn't match the suspects' DNA.
© Reuters
20 / 30 Fotos
Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, 2014 - Soon, accusations of using the migrant workers as scapegoats to cover up the real killers started and many protests took place.
© Reuters
21 / 30 Fotos
Nick Pearson, 2014 - The 25-year-old British tourist was found floating in the sea.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Nick Pearson, 2014 - Police suspected he had fallen from a height of 50 ft (15 m) and accidentally drown. His family suspects there was foul play.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Ben Harrington, 2012 - The 32-year-old Brit was found dead after a motorcycle crash. His wallet and watch were never recovered.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Tourist death trap - But how has this island in the "Land of Smiles" become such a tourist death trap?
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Thai mafia - Reportedly, the island is ruled by a local mafia family.
© Reuters
26 / 30 Fotos
Thai Mafia - As reported by the Independent, they demand protection money and control the local police force.
© Reuters
27 / 30 Fotos
Mafia rules - Apparently, Koh Tao is not the only island to be ruled in the same way. Many others are controlled by powerful families.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Koh Tao
- Despite the risks, tourists continue to visit the island.
© Reuters
29 / 30 Fotos
Murder in paradise: Inside Thailand's "death island"
This Thai island hides a dark secret
© Shutterstock
When we think of islands in Thailand, what comes to mind are images of exotic beaches, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear water. One of the world's tourist hot spots, Thailand has become a popular destination, and almost a rite of passage for backpackers who venture into Southeast Asia.
But not all Thai islands are alike. One in particular, Koh Tao, was dubbed Thailand's "death island" for a very dark reason. In recent years, many tourists have paid the ultimate price for visiting the island—they've lost their lives.
What could go wrong in paradise? Click through the gallery to find out.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![The essential guide to visiting Alaska](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a71b38c172.jpg)
![These churches are the last of their kind in the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6634cb1373c5f.jpg)
![The 30 places you must visit before you die](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a221964d69.jpg)
![Places in Europe where three countries meet](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_664760ce0aeed.jpg)
![On the right track: a history of the British railway system](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669cde7cb1d9d.jpg)
![Overlooked travel destinations to discover this year](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66984a29d9eb9.jpg)
![How does Venice manage to float on water?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6699fdba7a0ea.jpg)
![Europe's most underrated cities, according to travel experts](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66991c50f1dc1.jpg)
![Unmissable stops along Ireland's stunning Wild Atlantic Way](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6698020a43b76.jpg)
![The top 30 most-visited countries worldwide](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6697d71c4bd43.jpg)
![The unseen side of famous landmarks](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66963692260e2.jpg)
![Stunning and lesser-known Greek islands for escaping the crowds](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668bcf60734f5.jpg)
![Going to Galicia? These are the best attractions](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668fbdc4d48c9.jpg)
![The Brandenburg Gate: a symbol of division or unity?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668ce3e981e32.jpg)
![Countries with the easiest citizenship options](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668d3e384b9fe.jpg)
![Be a tourist in your own city and fall in love all over again](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668d270905bf7.jpg)
![The biggest mistakes tourists make at national parks](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663bb4b2ce984.jpg)
![Hiking the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668bb92bc0a2b.jpg)
![Incredible filming locations to visit if you love ‘Star Wars’](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668befa2881e5.jpg)
![Exploring Suriname, South America's smallest nation](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668ba211bcec0.jpg)
![Things that will annoy any airport security agent](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668bd707da037.jpg)
![Incredible destinations where the sun shines all night](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6687f507924df.jpg)
![The most dog-friendly national parks in the US](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668417654c65e.jpg)
![The 30 best historical destinations to visit in the US](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66866b577eb33.jpg)
![European road trips you need to try once in your life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6682db0e9a474.jpg)
![The only country located in all four hemispheres](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6682915f24825.jpg)
![Europe’s most dangerous tourist spots for pickpocketing (and how to protect yourself)](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668292697149b.jpg)
![Incredible places from Greek mythology you can visit today](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66827be7eb410.jpg)
![The best beach towns in the USA](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667d58f120de0.jpg)
![The best beaches to visit on the Adriatic Sea](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667c1a8d156ed.jpg)
![The 30 most disappointing cities in the world for tourists](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667aca257797a.jpg)
![Extraordinary desert experiences for adventurous travelers](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66472d27e0d70.jpg)
![The 30 best mid-sized US cities for cultural experiences](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6675320070ea0.jpg)
![The best beach destinations on the Baltic Sea](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6675513b7724d.jpg)
![The European countries with the cleanest beaches](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667539d3e47ce.jpg)
![The best guys' trip destinations](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6672a48c63f48.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
LIFESTYLE Nature
-
3
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
-
4
TRAVEL Staycation
Be a tourist in your own city and fall in love all over again
-
5
HEALTH Covid-19
-
6
HEALTH Cognitive function
-
7
LIFESTYLE Bizarre
You won't believe these bizarre prison rules and regulations
-
8
HEALTH Bad habits
-
9
TRAVEL Destinations
-
10
TRAVEL Architecture