http://www.samui-news.com Koh Samui's comprehensive, up-to-the-minute online news source Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:47:40 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en With fuel prices skyrocketing, transportation companies are taking whatever steps they can to increase efficiency.  According to The Star, Malaysian Airlines owned subsidiery Firefly, is replacing three of its Fokker-50 airplanes with ATR72-500's. The new planes use 40% less fuel and are able to carry 22 more passengers.  Firefly chairman Eddy ... http://www.samui-news.com/2008/08/12/firefly-takes-steps-to-save-fuel-plus-new-routes-to-koh-samui/ According to an article in the August 11th Bangkok Post, early August brought the arrest of 5 suspects on criminal charges of distributing cocaine to party-goers on Koh Samui and nearby Koh Phangan. On the eve of August 1st, in a two-hour raid that local police called "Operation Sunset," 15 locations ... http://www.samui-news.com/2008/08/12/5-arrested-on-drug-charges/ Andrea and Carl--young travelers from London, England--stop by Samui for some kite boarding but instead find themselves on a 3 and a half day cleansing-fasting retreat. An overnight bus journey from Bangkok to Suratthani on the mainland then an overly air-conditioned boat trip to Ko Samui. Got settled in then went ... http://www.samui-news.com/2007/03/21/cleansing-on-samui-one-couples-story/ On April 15th, Malaysian airline Firefly will begin daily service between Penang Malaysia and Koh Samui Thailand. Using two, 50 seat, dual propeller, Fokker 50  passenger planes, Firefly will serve six destinations in Malaysia and Thailand. Flights from Koh Samui to Penang are scheduled to start on April 15th, departing daily at 12:20.  Current prices for ... http://www.samui-news.com/2007/03/20/malaysian-firefly-offers-new-daily-flights-to-koh-samui/