Death Island

216
True Crime #166

White sand beaches, untouched jungles, cloudless skies. People come to Thailand to get away from it all. But the seemingly idyllic paradise of Koh Tao, once known as Turtle Island, has turned from beauty to horror as a string of brutal murders and unexplained disappearances have rocked the community. Government cover-ups, corrupt police, bungled investigations, silenced natives, cults. Locals and tourists have come to known this place as: Death Island.

Recent Episodes
  • A Discussion Part II
    Jun 7, 2023 – 25:56
  • A Discussion
    May 31, 2023 – 26:12
  • The Case Against Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo - Part 2
    May 24, 2023 – 31:34
  • The Case Against Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo
    May 17, 2023 – 30:15
  • The Case of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller Update
    May 10, 2023 – 37:17
  • The Case of Nick Pearson
    May 3, 2023 – 29:23
  • The Cases of Ben Harrington and Tony Lotus
    Apr 26, 2023 – 34:08
  • The Case of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller - Part 2
    Apr 19, 2023 – 37:51
  • The Case of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller
    Apr 12, 2023 – 31:52
  • The Cases of Ian Jacobs & Mr. Ban
    Apr 5, 2023 – 33:13
  • The Case of Christina Annesley
    Mar 29, 2023 – 37:01
  • The Case of Elise Dallemagne
    Mar 29, 2023 – 40:35
  • Introducing: Death Island
    Mar 22, 2023 – 01:23
Recent Reviews
  • bananaramma123
    FIX THE SOUND
    This is a very interesting podcast! Unfortunately, I will have to stop listening because the constant turning up and down of the volume depending on who is speaking is really getting to me. It's so loud and then the next person is so quiet so you'll turn it up just a tiny bit and then the next person after that is absolutely blaring. I thought this was a well produced and expensive podcast? It really doesn't sound like it. The most interesting interviewee was the author, but it was so hard to listen to her because of how LOUD she was, and how grating her voice came through even if you turned it down.
  • Chuveee
    Not bad, not good
    This podcast is missing local voices. I understand they probably don’t wanna talk to this team, but there’s a huge disconnect when asking for analysis from an American professional with unlimited resources vs. a third world country that lacks soooooo so many resources—especially a tiny island that relies and gets taken advantage of by foreigners who go there because of the loose or “non-existent” regulations just to have fun. Do more research, go all the way and connect with the locals and not just the expats. The presentation of these cases was not anything we didn’t already know from the internet.
  • fanofhorror
    Could've been way shorter
    So repetitive! There was no reason for this to be as long as it was. You could've done each case in one episode. Maybe the David and Hannah case could've been two episodes, but to spend as many episodes as they did just repeating the same stuff over and over, waste of time. Also, sources were questionable and audio was often terrible. Would not recommend this, just Google the cases.
  • AbbyZ123456789
    Way too many iHeart podcast ads
    Boring and disjointed. And… It’s insane how many ads. I get you can fast forward, but such a waste of time and an annoyance that detracts from story. All of their podcasts are like this. Their advertisers should be upset everyone fast forwards and doesn’t even hear their ads because the amount is ridiculous. You’d think they’d want to stop getting such terrible reviews for this!
  • ugh Reds
    DJ is the only one who is the only person who
    The only thing I could say was I was not able and was I had a few of the other apps I have been in for the past two weeks I
  • amazing!!!*
    Good, but weird sound issues
    I really enjoyed this podcast. It’s a good amount of information without loosing track of the story. The only reason I’m not giving this five stars is because this podcast along with their others seem to have weird sound issues. One person recording will be super quiet, but then ads are crazy loud, then another interview is also loud. I would not listen while driving or wearing headphone because that would be borderline dangerous. I’ve noticed this with their other podcasts too. There are also a lot of ads, I mean, make that money, but 6-8 minutes of ads in a 30min podcast is a bit much. However, they are almost always exactly two minute ad breaks so it’s super easy to fast forward through them which is great.
  • KLLchi
    Didn’t grab me
    There’s a compelling story here I think, but I’m not connecting with this podcast. It jumps around and doesn’t seem to have a lot of substance. Also a painful amount of ads.
  • David Beckhams Left foot
    Audio mixing is off kilter and intolerable
    Listened to a few episodes and while the stories are interesting (I hope the later episodes tie things together more) but the mixing on this show is horrid. Phone calls and interviews are mumbled and too quiet but even when the producers cut into the narration with asides the levels are way off and inconsistent. Turning it off now because I’m tired of turning the volume up and down.
  • Michelle Ch.
    Tl;dr play stupid western games, win stupid western prizes
    I wish they would have gone further with the investigations, the level of depth was a bit unsatisfying. I don’t think these guys are so much hateful Xenophobes as they are “shocked pikachu face,” pathologically ignorant westerns. Hence the title of this post. The audio does get cleaner as the season progresses, but reusing the same sound effects in the exact same way over and over gets old by ep 5 or 6. Overall not bad, not great.
  • AJ_Grant
    Fire your audio engineer.
    To hear the people in this show one must constantly turn your volume up and down depending on who is talking. Any rudimentary audio editor will have a one-click "normalize" feature to prevent this.
  • RKCS6841
    Def not traveling to Thailand
    Def not!
  • Sushiluvu644
    Loud lady
    I love this but when that one lady talks it literally sounds like nails on a chalk board. Why is she so much louder than everyone else? I have to fast forward it when she comes on
  • Durst98
    Was intriguing, but…
    Stop using computers to read the scripts, it only sounds slightly better than a monotone robot but the British accent and awful inflection doesn’t help. Siri on my phone reads better. When I realized that I was listening to a computer my first thought was that the creators obviously don’t really care, or have enough precious time to produce a podcast properly. The audience is only there for ad revenue anyway. Bye.
  • DreamStreet2012
    Skims the Surface
    Too little information is presented in each case. No real investigating is done. They give a quick review of each case and interview a couple of people connected (some with major audio issues). The listener is left wanting more. They offer no compelling evidence to prove these tourists died by murder, just conjecture and opinions really. I wish they would have focused on one case and dug deep. Elise’s (first episode) story involving a cult, a possibly violent guru, arson, fake names… this could have been an amazing story if followed but no one in the cult was tracked down. It seems they wanted to get a quick show produced from case info they got off Wikipedia and tried to sensationalize it for downloads by acting as if Thai locals are out killing westerners on the regular. If you’re a true crime fan who likes to get into all the details, skip this.
  • patstyles
    yellow journalism
    This podcast is pure sensationalism. I lived in Thailand for 8 years and was everywhere including Ko Tao. While there is no doubt that the police are not as professional as other countries, to call the place Death Island is purely irresponsible. Ko Tao is much safer than places like Oakland, New Orleans, Baltimore, Detroit, and Chicago. As a former resident, I can assure there is always a wealth of expats willing to complain about the locals. And this podcast appears to use expats as sources. It's a real shame, because there are some interesting stories to be covered.
  • sfmaker
    Great— but the Australian reporter is terrible
    This podcast is great— but audio for the Australian reporter is so BAD, I had to stop listening. Fix her audio or just cut her part all together. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard.
  • Star_Chaser27
    Interesting!
    Very interesting investigative podcast! I want more!
  • Venice Mamacita
    Another poor production
    I couldn’t finish The Piketon Massacre because of the lack of substance and terrible narration. Unfortunately this podcast is more of the same. A legit investigation should be done, but this podcast ain’t it.
  • vstimac
    Why is the editing and narration so bad?
    I’m confused how a podcast backed by iHeart can be so poorly mixed and written. This podcast was originally billed more as a narrative investigation and feels about as lame as Crazy in Love.
  • blankbet
    Poorly done by sad want to be journalists.
    What an incredible crock of crap! You feed on racism and xenophobia to feed a show based in zero fact. Have you even been there? No! Loser podcast! You have second hand stories with non credible sources and zero actual knowledge of the country. I dare you to come to my home in Thailand and go ask real questions.
  • Colin’s my name
    The case of Nick Pearson
    This show is alright. I like the stories and what not but the investigation seems thin. Especially the Nick Pearson episode. More than half of the episode isn’t even about his death it’s about the experience of the girl they interviewed. Man plus the audio issues get it together.
  • Katherine Lewin
    Good idea bad execution
    Too many ads. And the episodes only talk about the actual crime for a few minutes. The rest of the podcast is really boring interviews about people’s’ feelings and pointless information. Definitely NOT an investigative podcast. Don’t waste your time. It could’ve been a good podcast because it’s an interesting idea and problem but they manage to make it boring. Also there’s bad music all throughout trying to make it seem dramatic. And the woman who partially narrates has a terrible TV voice.
  • jvarguello
    Quite repetitive.
    There is not a lot of substance to this one. I just finished episode six, perhaps the best example of yet another long discussion of the corruption and ineptitude of Thai police, how the island attracts thousands of tourists and how, supposedly, the authorities want to cover up the particulars of the deaths to protect the industry. Moving on, please. Thin, very thin on the particulars of the cases, with conclusions that sometimes seem to come from nowhere solid (Mr. Harrington’s death supposedly caused by a tripwire). Baffling dissertations about, again, not much: if Tony Lotus’s house was broken into, what is the long discussion about his death being natural (as the Thai police apparently asserts) or the result of foul play? Finally, some sound engineering is in order: every time Ms. Buchanan speaks I have to quickly adjust the volume.
  • jshthmpsn
    So many commercials, long commercial breaks
    And now let’s break for a word from our sponsors.
  • Ashleypallini
    Yikes
    This is probably a great and interesting show but the audio was so bad I felt like I was underwater
  • KJohnArtistry
    Great !
    Was excited to find the show, and even more excited to realize the same incredible voices from Pike County massacre, we’re hosting.
  • Crc38868
    Stupid, reaching & obviously hasn’t spent time in Thailand
    What I said above. This is a stupid podcast & reaching their “source “ is wow
  • jwav1
    Variability in loudness of voices
    I’m episode 6, specifically, the voice variability from the host, to interviewees changes dramatically with the female British reporter’s voice incredibly loud compared to others… it’s almost like she is shouting which makes it difficult for I listen to overall.
  • ALOHA❄️🥳😍
    Bad
    I hate it! It’s sooooooooo…….. ugh
  • NaeaRae
    Great and very interesting
    This is a unique podcast. I’m a huge true crime fan and this falls right in the middle. Easy to listen to while cooking, cleaning etc but also very engaging.
  • drbuttons
    A letdown
    Scattered information. The narration is hard to follow. Few local voices. I ended up reading about the cases online and learning far more than the podcast provided.
  • neversabrina9
    Needs another direction….
    Far more interesting would be a podcast about anyone seriously attempting to expose the deep corruption on this island so justice could be served for all the people who have lost their lives…otherwise just another unsolved murder that goes unresolved leaving families with no answers, victimizing them as well. Where are the courageous souls Thailand needs to expose the blatant corruption and stand up to the bullies that clearly rule this island? Where are the protestors who could end all tourism to this island until truth and justice is served? If this podcast can help lead to that then I’ll eat my words and give it a 5 star review. Otherwise feels gratuitous and pointless. The real story is more about the complete lack of accountability on the part of the Thai police and government.
  • Bukowski101
    Not accurate
    Please don’t post unsubscribed shows as available when they’re actually not. It’s incredibly annoying, frustrating and deceptive. Capitalism gone wild. Not everyone can afford to subscribe. You’re not kidding anyone. Puuuuuuuhlease.
  • Elbybara
    Mispronouncing names and creating unnecessary drama
    I couldn’t get past the start of EP1. Elise’s surname is mispronounced repeatedly. As other reviewers have observed, there isn’t anything that bizarre about Western tourists dying on an island well known for partying. It’s awful and deeply sad but I don’t believe that it’s the mystery it’s being made out to be. I say this as a Westerner who used to live in Phuket and who has done substantial reading on the deaths. Unfortunately, I’m filing this podcast under “loss exploited for entertainment.”
  • Kortni Cozzens
    Another hit from KT Studios
    Such interesting stories, so well told. And as always, they do such a great job honoring victims. Can’t wait to hear more.
  • Sinor Jefe
    Half content / half advertisements
    Are you selling things or delivering content?
  • Wønderłust
    Super interesting and engaging!
    All these stories leave me guessing and wondering, and I absolutely love it. Super informative episodes that really get you interested in these cases. I find myself waiting for the uploads, highly recommended for any true crime or mystery enthusiasts.
  • CitationNeeded
    Fix audio levels
    There has to be a better way to tell this story than a loud monotone narrator between quieter content from the host. Volume is all over the place
  • alrooski779
    Amazing
    I listen to a lot of podcasts, and this one is up there. Highly recommend, very entertaining, well worth the time.
  • TFizz0699
    Really Enjoy
    Super interesting and very much enjoying the background and storytelling. One note! I believe it is Christina Annesley ***
  • lizschieber
    Fantastic show, especially for travelers
    As a solo traveler, the episode about backpackers being killed while traveling really struck a chord with me. The hosts did an excellent job of exploring the unique vulnerabilities and dangers that come with backpacking, without sensationalizing or victim-blaming. They also delved into the cultural and societal factors that can contribute to these crimes, which gave me a better understanding of the risks involved in my own travels. What I appreciated most about this episode, and the podcast as a whole, was the hosts' thoughtful and compassionate approach to each case. They never lose sight of the human cost of these crimes, and their empathy and respect for the victims and their families really shines through. I've been recommending this podcast to all my fellow travelers, and I can't wait to hear what they cover next.
  • GSW66
    True Crime at its best
    What really sets Death Island apart from other true crime podcasts is the way it humanizes everyone involved in each case. The hosts go beyond the sensational headlines to explore the motivations and emotions of both the victims and the perpetrators, creating a nuanced and empathetic portrait of each person.
  • podcastgjrl123
    So good!
    Death Island is an absolute gem of a true crime podcast. The show's production is top-notch, with excellent sound design and music that sets the perfect tone for each episode. But what really makes this podcast shine is the quality of the storytelling. The hosts do an incredible job of bringing each case to life, painting vivid pictures of the people involved and the events that unfolded. If you're a fan of true crime podcasts, I totally recommend Death Island.
  • lblistener
    Highly recommend!!
    If you're a fan of true crime and looking for a podcast that sends shivers down your spine, Death Island is the perfect choice 🙌🏼 Get ready to be scared and informed in equal measure. MIND BLOWING twists and turns in each case 👏🏼💯 #justiceforelise
  • rylie15
    More please!!
    Death Island is a true crime podcast that really stands out from the pack. The hosts have a gift for bringing complex cases to life in a way that is both informative and entertaining. They also have a great sense of empathy for the victims and their families, which adds a level of depth and humanity to each story. This is a podcast that will keep you coming back for more, week after week.
  • Tobi is awesome
    SOOO GOOOOD!!!
    I've listened to a lot of true crime podcasts over the years, but Death Island is truly something special. The hosts have a unique ability to take complex cases and present them in a way that is both entertaining and informative. They also have a real talent for finding the human stories behind the crimes, which adds an emotional depth to each episode. If you're a true crime fan, you owe it to yourself to give this podcast a listen.
  • jeg237
    Addicting series
    Courtney and the team at KT Studios have done an amazing job with this one. And speaking of Courtney, she's a fantastic host. She's got this amazing ability to make you feel like you're right there with her, exploring the case together. It's like you're listening to a friend tell you a story over coffee or something. You know how some true crime podcasts can feel a little too clinical or detached?
  • bandwagonbaybe
    SO good!!
    KT Studios has gained a reputation for producing some of the most engaging and thought-provoking true crime podcasts out there, and Death Island is no exception. The team at KT Studios has a knack for choosing cases that are not only intriguing but also shed light on important social and legal issues. With Death Island, they've done an excellent job of exploring the criminal justice system in Thailand, a country where the legal system operates differently than in the West. The podcast is a testament to KT Studios' ability to present complex topics in an accessible and compelling way, with interviews, archival material, and expert analysis woven seamlessly into the storytelling.
  • Michelle Dulebohn
    Amazing!
    If you're a true crime aficionado looking for a podcast that delivers both the thrills and the context behind some of the most intriguing criminal cases, Death Island is a must-listen. Hosted by Courtney and Connor, two engaging and knowledgeable true crime enthusiasts, Death Island delves into the gritty details of crimes committed off the coast of Thailand, shedding light on the cultural, social, and political factors that influence the criminal justice system in the region. But what really sets this podcast apart is the hosts' ability to weave a narrative that is both informative and captivating. Courtney and Connor, if you're reading this, you guys are the best and I hope you keep making episodes for a long time!
  • decbst
    Death Island Review
    As someone who has traveled to Koh Tao, the true crime podcast Death Island really hit home for me. The hosts did an incredible job of capturing the essence of this beautiful island, while also delving into the dark underbelly of the murders that have taken place there. It was a surreal experience to hear them talk about the same streets and beaches that I had walked on, but with the added context of the crimes that had occurred there. Despite the heavy subject matter, the hosts managed to strike a perfect balance between respect for the victims and their families, and a sense of curiosity and intrigue. If you're planning a trip to Koh Tao or have been there before, I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen. It will give you a whole new perspective on this idyllic island, and the crimes that have shocked and fascinated the world.
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