The Thai island paradise of Samui is the main setting for the third season of the series ‘The White Lotus’, which sets its mystery and luxury plot, peppered with nods to national Buddhism, in a country where the TV phenomenon is expected to help with its ambitious tourism goals.

Though less effervescent than past, The White Lotus Season 3 serves up plenty of financial secrets, dark family histories and kinky hijinks as it shoves its characters out of their comfort zone.