From spray to scrub: Koh Phangan cleans up ‘Mr. Spray’

2026-02-05 - 07:46

KOH PHANGAN — Municipal officers on Koh Phangan have begun removing spray-painted messages across the island following the arrest of a 57-year-old German man accused of vandalising public property. The suspect was detained after allegedly spraying symbolic messages, including “SAVE GAZA” and “LIBRE”, at more than 40 locations across the island, earning him the nickname “Mr. Spray”. On 5 February, Koh Phangan subdistrict municipality deployed enforcement officers to inspect damaged areas and clean graffiti from streetlights, traffic signs, kilometre markers and public walls. Cleaning work has focused on Haad Yao and main roads most affected by the vandalism. Authorities said cleaning agents and scrubbing equipment were being used to restore the island’s appearance, adding that all graffiti is expected to be removed within one to two days. A local business operator in Haad Yao said residents felt relieved by the suspect’s swift arrest, noting that the graffiti had affected the island’s tourism image and made public areas appear untidy. The operator thanked authorities for acting quickly to remove the spray-painted messages. The suspect is currently being held at Koh Phangan police station for further questioning. Police said legal action would be taken on charges of damaging public property and that the case would be forwarded to immigration authorities to seek visa revocation, deportation and a permanent ban on re-entry to Thailand.