A very good, if depressing read. I visited Phangan around 2002 I think and didn't make the "main" full moon party but even by then every night on Haad Rin was party night. I'm not sure I'll go back. Friends who have been since describe a place that has been transformed beyond all recognition.  

It's obviously too late for this island, but as we saw with the Gringo Trails discussion a few months back the challenge now is probably to figure out what unspoiled corners are at risk of becoming the next Phangan and some how work to avoid it.  I'm not optimistic though.  What are your thoughts?

Thought this was a bit of a sloppy, meh story - especially for R&K. Thankfully the island is far larger than, and there is far more to it than, the FMP. Am heading there next month for three weeks and can't wait. Will I go to the party? No.

Depressing.  I know alot of people just travel to party in "exotic" locations but I've always been turned off by that.  Its a shame that these amazing places get spoiled by the "international partying elite". Matthew, I'm not particularly optimistic either.