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When we think of islands in Thailand, what comes to mind are images of exotic beaches, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear water. One of the world's tourist hot spots, Thailand has become a popular destination, and almost a rite of passage for backpackers who venture into Southeast Asia.

But not all Thai islands are alike. One in particular, Koh Tao, was dubbed Thailand's "death island" for a very dark reason. In recent years, many tourists have paid the ultimate price for visiting the island—they've lost their lives.

What could go wrong in paradise? Click through the gallery to find out.

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Also known as Ko Tao, this small island is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand.

▲Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the most popular activities.

▲Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking scenery attract many visitors to this island.

▲But this sun-soaked idyllic paradise has a dark history. A number of tourist deaths on this island in recent years have shocked the world. So much so, that Koh Tao was dubbed "death island" and "murder island" by the media.

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British backpacker Theo Bailey was found dead in a shallow water drainage ditch outside a diving center. The 31-year-old's body was discovered near Sairee Beach, the same location where fellow British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and her boyfriend David Miller had been found dead in 2014.

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Bailey disappeared after a pub crawl with his girlfriend and friends. Thai authorities reportedly believe his death was an accident and are investigating the case, but have not made any arrests.

▲German tourist Bernd Grotsch's body was found in the jungle. He allegedly died of either heart failure, or he was bitten by a snake.

▲In 2017, 30-year-old Elise Dallemagne from Belgium was found dead on the island. Her body was found half-eaten by lizards. The police investigation concluded that it was suicide.

▲Though some questions remain unanswered. Security camera images were released after re-opening the case, but Dallemagne's mother doesn't believe the woman in the images is her daughter.

▲The backpacker reportedly checked into a hotel using a fake name. Her alleged connection to the Sathya Sai Baba cult has also been debated.

▲Russian Valentina Novozhyonova, 23, disappeared from her hostel, leaving her belongings behind.

▲She reportedly went diving, but she's still missing to this day. The police believe she drowned at sea.

▲British backpacker Luke Miller, 26, was found dead in a swimming pool at the Sunset Bar on Sairee Beach.

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The investigation concluded that he was not murdered, but his family believes otherwise.

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Dimitri Povse's body was found hung in his room on New Year's Day.

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The case was ruled suicide, even though the French tourist was found with his hands tied behind his back.

▲On January 21, 2015, New Zealand-born Christina Annesley was also found dead in her room. The investigation concluded that there was no foul play.

▲This case caught the media attention around the world. British backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and her boyfriend David Miller, 24, were found dead.

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They were brutally murdered at Sairee Beach in September 2014.

▲Thai police launched a thorough investigation. Footprints were compared to those of local workers in the area.

▲Even DNA swabs were taken in search of the murderer.

▲Myanmarese (formerly Burma) workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty and sentenced to death. Their lawyers however, claimed that the murder weapon didn't match the suspects' DNA.

▲Soon, accusations of using the migrant workers as scapegoats to cover up the real killers started and many protests took place.

▲The 25-year-old British tourist was found floating in the sea.

▲Police suspected he had fallen from a height of 50 ft (15 m) and accidentally drown. His family suspects there was foul play.

▲The 32-year-old Brit was found dead after a motorcycle crash. His wallet and watch were never recovered.

▲But how has this island in the "Land of Smiles" become such a tourist death trap?

▲Reportedly, the island is ruled by a local mafia family.

▲As reported by the Independent, they demand protection money and control the local police force.

▲Apparently, Koh Tao is not the only island to be ruled in the same way. Many others are controlled by powerful families.

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Despite the risks, tourists continue to visit the island.