In 2021, the Kamalaya resort in Koh Samui was acquired by billionaire Chakrit Sakunkrit. The secluded Thai retreat has since been transformed into a luxury health spa, complete with a monk's cave, sleek villas, and plunge pools. It has welcomed the rich and famous, from Kylie Minogue to Sarah Ferguson.
The Owner's Political Influence
But its owner, Mr Sakunkrit – also known as Christopher Harborne – has also poured his wealth into influencing politics thousands of miles away. Mr Harborne has financed Reform UK and its predecessor, the Brexit Party, to the tune of more than £22 million since 2019. This included a record-breaking £9 million payout last August.
The 63-year-old made his fortune as an early investor in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. He also has a stake in Tether. The Sunday Times Rich List ranks him as Britain's sixth-wealthiest man, with an estimated net worth of £18.2 billion.
Gift to Farage
His bankrolling of Nigel Farage's party came to a head after it emerged that he had given the politician a £5 million gift in 2024. Mr Farage has given different explanations for the huge sum of money, on one occasion saying it was needed to pay for his personal security, before then suggesting it was an 'unconditional' reward for campaigning for Brexit, a cause supported by Mr Harborne.
The Reform UK leader has himself visited Mr Harborne's Thai paradise and was pictured at the crypto billionaire's 60th birthday celebrations in 2022.
Resort Details
The resort's website says Mr Harborne purchased the retreat as a 'philanthropic investment'. Its founders, John and Karina Stewart, exited the business completely in 2024, citing incompatibility with Mr Harborne's philosophy, the Mirror reported.
The spa now promotes traditional healing methods, while discouraging modern distractions such as mobile phone use. Guests seeking 'parasympathetic rest and reset' or 'emotional upliftment' can pay £172.39 for a personal fire ceremony lasting 75 minutes. There are also one-hour private spiritual guidance sessions costing £131.56.
One-on-one mantra chanting is also offered at £63.51 for a 30-minute session. Accommodation on site also comes at a staggeringly high price, at £941 per night for a penthouse suite with a private plunge pool. Guests are treated to a Chinese and Indian inspired offering at the resort's restaurant, tea lounge, and cafe. The menu can be personally tailored and focuses on healthy ingredients, such as the use of stevia as a sweetener instead of sugar.
