German Tourist 'Mr. Spray' Arrested for Widespread Graffiti on Koh Phangan

BANGKOK — A 58-year-old German national, nicknamed 'Mr. Spray' by locals, was arrested on February 4th for spray-painting messages at over 40 public locations on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province, according to immigration police. Officers from Immigration Bureau Division 2 tracked the suspect to a Bangkok hotel and arrested him under a warrant from Koh Samui Provincial Court. He faces charges of damaging public property and illegal spray-painting on walls, electricity poles, and public structures. The case drew significant online attention after images circulated showing English-language graffiti with messages like 'SAVE GAZA' on roadside signs and 'LIBRE' on electricity poles. Prior to his arrest, the man told Khaosod English that he loved Thailand and had been visiting since 2001, but was deeply concerned about what he perceived as 'war criminals' residing on the island. He apologized for the damage and upsetting the local community, explaining his intent was to 'remind Israelis of their history and ask for discourse'.