German man ‘Mr. Spray’ arrested over Koh Phangan ‘Save Gaza’ graffiti spree

2026-02-04 - 12:06

BANGKOK — A 58-year-old German national, dubbed “Mr. Spray” by locals, was arrested on 4 February for spray-painting messages at more than 40 public locations on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province, immigration police said. Officers from Immigration Bureau Division 2 tracked the suspect to a hotel in the Sao Chingcha area of Bangkok, where he was arrested under a warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court on the same day. He faces charges of damaging public property and illegally spray-painting messages on walls, electricity poles and public structures. Police said the suspect was later transferred to Koh Phangan police station for legal proceedings. The case sparked widespread anger online after images circulated showing English-language graffiti sprayed across the island, including messages such as “SAVE GAZA” on roadside information signs and “LIBRE” on electricity poles. Other markings appeared on roads, rubbish bins, traffic signs and kilometre markers, many of which are state property. Earlier on Wednesday, before his arrest, the man contacted Khaosod English to explain his actions. He said he loved Thailand, had been visiting the country frequently since first arriving in 2001, and had always been treated well by Thai people. He added that he was shocked by changes he observed on Koh Phangan, particularly the growing number of Israeli nationals living on the island. He claimed he believed some “war criminals” were residing in Thailand, which made him deeply uncomfortable and prompted him to act. “My intent was to remind Israelis of their history and ask for discourse regarding war criminals,” he said. The man apologised for his actions, saying: “I am sorry for the damage I caused to private property. I am sorry for upsetting the Phangan local community.”