Thai island of Koh Tao is also known as a paradise island, but gradually its name is being changed to death. Crystal clear green waters, clean beaches and white sand are what the island boasted about, but now it is losing its reputation among tourists after growing instances of violence in what was once a holidayer's paradise. Since 2014, at least nine European tourists have died or disappeared from the island.

After which, British tabloids started addressing it as the Death Island. Allegedly, a 19-year-old British girl was raped on Koh Tao in June. The incident has once again kickstarted discussions about the efficiency of the local police in handling crimes against tourists. Gurugram: Unable to Repay Loan, Man Murders Business Partner, Slits Wife's Throat Over Suicide Pact.

Following the incident, Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha questioned the attire of the girl, suggesting that she brought it upon herself. However, he later apologised for it saying he only wanted the foreign tourists to be safe. The police repeatedly denied the teen's rape and had arrested people who wrote about it on Facebook. Bill Gates Praises 'Condom King' Mechai Viravaidya for His Contribution to Thailand’s Population Control.

Thailand which is one of the world's most popular tourist destination is promoted as the 'Land of Smiles'. According to a New York Times report states multiple incidents in which people were either killed, murdered, drowned or went missing from the beach. In 2014, two British backpackers, 23-year-old David Miller and 24-year-old Hannah Witheridge were killed at Sairee beach. Witheridge was raped before she was killed. In 2015, 29-year-old Frenchman, Dmitri Povse was found hanged with his hands tied behind his back.

In 2017, a 23-year-old Russian tourist, Valentina Novozhyonova, disappeared from the beach and the police concluded she drowned at sea. In October, a 33-year-old Moldovan man, Alexandr Bucspun drowned after he went swimming late at night. While Thailand has been drawing tourists from across the globe for years, these incidents are changing their image. Parents of many tourists who went missing or died at the island are now warning others to stay away from them.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 05, 2018 05:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).