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A constant theme in the conversations during this period is financing. Koch repeatedly refers to “the bloody money thing” in response to Steyn’s pleas for cash. During his early days in Phuket, Covid lockdowns meant Steyn was able to stay in high-end beach hotels at knockdown rates. Shops and bars were closed, rendering the raucous centre of the local sex industry, Patong’s infamous Bangla Road, all but tourist-free and without its trademark neon glow. But as restrictions lifted later in 2021, the go-go bars and massage parlours re­opened, visitors returned and hotel prices rocketed.

By then, Steyn had rented a simple room and was spending his time greasing the palms of informers and sex workers who might help him. He was aware Koch wanted some show of violence against the Thai establishment. Steyn wasn’t planning to provide it. But he figured he might be able to convince Koch to explore alternative ways to make his influence felt. With tourists streaming back, Steyn saw a financial opportunity that might keep Koch’s money flowing: go-go bars.

Koch initially resisted the idea, having already amassed a self-declared fortune. Yet Steyn persevered for months, putting together a business plan aimed at making Koch a local “king-maker”, operating bars, restaurants and massage parlours that would act as a pipeline for bribing police and local officials. Total capital outlay would be $690,000, but the investment would yield revenue of almost $600,000 a month once Phuket recovered, Steyn predicted.