Ko Tao

"Off the record, however, they told of an island held in the iron grip of a mafia family, who demanded protection money, controlled the local police force and were not above attacking or burning down the homes and businesses of people that crossed them"

I don't think Koh Tao is dangerous in terms of absolute risk. Many tourists pass through, and not that many got murdered (under a dozen over several years, as far as I know, some cases might really be suicide). Riding a motorbike anywhere in Thailand probably carries higher risk, mathematically speaking.

The issue is that it's a small island, there are people who repeatedly murdered tourists, and they (or their families) control the island to a degree that they can act with impunity. Even if your chances of actual problems are low, do you really want to give your money to those people (which you almost certainly do by going there)?

Foreign tourists don't end up dead in mysterious circumstances on Koh Samui on a semi-regular basis. For its size, Koh Tao is highly over represented in mysterious deaths.

Ko Tao is a quiet, laid back island. Mostly diving, but there are a lot of things to do. Wifi is super fast, food is cheap and good, people are friendly. There is a good amount of nightlife on the island, but not like Ko Phangan. This is a great option to come and chill if you are under a deadline, like to dive, or just need a quiet island escape.
Happily spent several weeks there.

Beautiful island. Lots of mellow nightlife spots and cafe's. Too bad there's a serial killer murdering young women a few times a year. Seriously though, look into the Koh Tao murders over the last few years. Women raped and murdered. They blame it on Burmese workers but nobody believes this. More likely it's local mafia children running the island. It's only a matter of time before the next crime. Sucks because I loved the place. Cheapest spot in the world to get your diving certification.

Magic island, fast wifi, very good roads ;)

I have lived in this paradise for 12 years. The island has seen many changes over the years. Better roads, better safety with have the Koh Tao Rescue team working here as pre hospital care for people who have accidents. The dive safety is fantastic with all centres constantly communicating with each other. The eco projects we have on going include beach clean ups, dive site clean ups, 711 don't give plastic bags, the refused use of plastic.
This is my home and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Come and find out for yourself but be warned you may end up staying longer than you plan as you fall in love with this place straight away

Koh Tao is my favorite island in Thailand, stay on Sairee beach.

Koh Tao is a amazing and beautiful island with more and more great cafes with good and free WiFi’s and workspaces. It’s a truly inspiring and safe place to be a female nomade in.

Absolut lovely place to be.

Koh Tao was a nice place to stay, but is not anymore. The main issue is the yet unsolved waste problem. Koh Taos air quality in the inner island has become very bad since more and more people start to burn their plastic waste in the backyard.