Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Crash of charter flight traveling to Soneva Kiri
A Thai Flying Service charter flight arranged for travel to Soneva Kiri crashed after departing Bangkok, killing all nine people aboard. Relatives of five Chinese passengers later sued Soneva Kiri and the flight operator, alleging responsibility and seeking compensation. The legal claims remained unresolved in the supplied material.
2022
Soneva Kiri fire and alleged safety violations
A fire destroyed or severely damaged a villa at Soneva Kiri. Thai authorities investigated alleged failures involving fire-safety inspection, hotel licensing, and notification requirements, and reports said charges were brought against three executives. The allegations and proceedings should not be treated as proof of liability without a final legal disposition.
2021
Dispute over a Soneva Kiri villa transaction
A Swiss businessman and his company sought evidence in United States proceedings to support contemplated foreign litigation and arbitration concerning an alleged failure to deliver a Thai villa and related property after an investment. The allegations involved Sonu Shivdasani and Bluebay Resorts and were contested.
2018
Allegations concerning the Medhufaru resort-development lease
Reporting by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project linked the development site used for Soneva Jani with allegations that former Maldivian tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb allocated islands and lagoons without legally required public tenders. The reporting described the Shivdasanis as among companies that benefited from the wider system. The material does not establish a criminal finding against Soneva.