White Lotus Koh Samui PR/Legal Team Press Release:
"It is with great sadness to report that our owner's, Sritala, husband Jim Hollinger was killed in a guest shooting at the White Lotus Koh Samui this week. Our deepest condolances go out to Sritala who was right on scene at the time of the shooting, and Jim died in her arms. Also Sritala & Jim's bodyguards Pree & Tanapath, were both shot by the shooter, trying to defend Jim & Sritala, and lost their lives, trying to protect our hotel guests.
The shooter was a guest staying at the White Lotus, named Rick Hatchett, who was with his girlfriend Sarah Catherine Hook. It is also tragic to report that Sarah lost her life in the crossfire between Rick and Jim's bodyguards. Our hotel security guard Gaitok, who heard the gunfire from his post at the hotels front gate was recently armed due to a robbery at our jewerly store on site, he ran to the area of the gunfire, and shot at Rick, after Sritala screamed at Gaitok that Rick was the shooter. Gaitok shot Mr. Hatchett twice from behind, and Rick was killed instantly. Rick & his girlfriend fell into the garden waters and were both pronounced dead at that time.
Sritala has informed us that recently she learned Rick was the estranged son of her husband Jim, and that Jim was Rick's father. It appears the shooting may have been personal and something to do with their past. Sritala went on to say Mr. Hatchett and his friend just days ago visited them at Sritala's home in Bangkok, and were posing as hollywood films creators. We believe this was false, and they lied to Sritala to access her home. While we don't completely understand why this happened, we are very saddened and shocked by the events that happened at our beautiful hotel here in Koh Samui. Five people needlessly lost their lives today here. Jim was armed and his own gun was used by Mr. Hatchett to shoot Jim & his bodyguards.
It is reported that the celebrity hollywood actress Jaclyn Lemon & her friends were on the scene of the shooting, talking with and taking photos with Sritala & Jim at the time, this is true Jaclyn and her friends were on the scene, but fortunately they ran to safety and they were not harmed. Jaclyn stated that this guy came up to Mr. Hollinger while they were talking to them, stole the gun from inside Jim's suit and pointed it at him, they had some personal words and Mr. Hatchett quickly then shot Mr. Hollinger twice in the upper torso, causing his death.
In an unrelated incident on the same morning the Ratliff family, from the US, their son Lochlan appears to have somehow ingestied Ping Pong seeds from the fruit, and was found by his father unconcious on their private pool deck. We inform all guests on arrival that the Ping Pong Fruit seeds are poisonous, and guests must not pick the fruit, as these seeds could lead to death. Sam thankfully did not ingest enough of the seeds to be fatal. Sam was seen by medical on site, and cleared to leave the resort with his family that morning and return back to the US. The Ratliff's were at breakfast at the time of the shooting. Sam explained he woke up and used a blender to make an energy blended drink this morning before leaving the family villa, and felt sick soon thereafter on the pool deck. We don't know how Sam ingested the Ping Pong Seeds, and there was no comment by the Ratcliffs who quickly left the resort as scheduled that morning, before we could look into this futher. We have since learned Sam's father Timothy, is now wanted by federal US authorities for insider trading, and will be detained on arrival in the US. We don't know how this is at all related to Sam's incident, but are suspicious of the timing.
Please know we take guest security and safety to the utmost importance, and while Sarah & Rick were guests of our hotel, all other guests were immediately moved to safety, until the scene was cleared. While we are not sure sure how/why Mr. Hollinger was allowed on the property armed, he should not have been armed, only his bodyguards have premission and clearance by hotel security to be armed when on property. In addition hotel security is armed at times.
We will take the nessecary steps required to assure future guest safety and security at the White Lotus Koh Samui. Lastly this incident is in no way related to past incidents at the White Lotus Maui, or Taormina. A guest staying during this time Belinda, is an employee of the White Lotus Maui, she was here on a training course, and she manages the Spa in Maui. She was on site in Maui at the time of that incident, and was shocked by what happened here this week. Belinda departed early with her son who was also visiting us.
Our heart's go out to Sritala & Jim's family and friends and all who know them, for their tragic losses, along with our close friends Pree & Tanapath, and as well to all related and known to Sarah & Rick."
NOTE:
This is a fan-fictional piece created & based on MAX's season 3 finale of White Lotus.
The actual resort used to film season 3 of White Lotus was the Four Seasons Koh Samui.
Four Seasons Koh Samui is a stunningly luxurious beach resort in Thailand on the island of Koh Samui. Perched on a seafront hillside with private villas and suites. Mr. Travel Agent, LLC is a preferred partner affiliate of the the Four Seasons brand, and can extend all clients status benefits and amenities at all Four Seasons resorts worldwide at no additional cost over the public rate. We would love the opportunity to send you to the Four Seasons Koh Samui, or any other Four Seasons Resort. Reach out to us anytime!
Hope you enjoyed reading this little fun attachment piece to White Lotus season 3.
