“Western tourists have been victims of vicious, unprovoked attacks by gangs on Koh Pha Ngan. These attacks are particularly common around the time of the Full Moon parties and generally occur late at night near bars in Haad Rin.”
Referring to the death of British tourist Stephen Ashton on Tuesday, (January 1) the advisory says, “A British national was killed in a shooting incident while at a beach party in Haad Rin. Exercise caution when in this area at any time, especially after dark.”
It adds, “Violent assaults and robberies have been reported in Chaweng, Koh Samui. Attacks have also occurred in other tourist districts in Thailand frequented by western tourists including Chiang Mai. Care should be taken in such areas, especially at night.”
It also warns about the possibility of sexual offences against both men and women, “especially in the Koh Samui archipelago”.
The full advisory can be read here.