Tourism
The Surprising Origin of Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach
Thai actress Punpreedee 'PP' Khumpromrod revealed on a television program that the famous Chaweng Beach was named after her great-grandfather.
During an appearance on the television show 'Suek 12 Rasi' on September 6, 2026, Thai actress Punpreedee 'PP' Khumpromrod shared a personal connection to one of Koh Samui’s most iconic landmarks. When asked about her family’s history on the island, PP confirmed that Chaweng Beach was named after her great-grandfather, Khun Chaweng Worarak.
Her mother, who accompanied her to the studio, clarified that their family has deep roots in Samui and originally resided in the area now known as Chaweng. The revelation surprised many viewers who had previously assumed the name was derived from a local dialect or indigenous term.
For travelers and residents, this historical anecdote adds a layer of personal heritage to one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. While the beach is globally recognized for its vibrant nightlife and white sands, its name serves as a direct link to the island’s ancestral families.
It remains to be confirmed how much of the island’s land was historically held by the family, as the program host jokingly suggested they owned a significant portion of Koh Samui. PP responded to these claims with a humble gesture, neither confirming nor denying the extent of the family's historical land ownership. The story highlights the intersection of modern celebrity culture and the long-standing history of local families in shaping the identity of Thailand’s islands.