Stephanie Yang | (TNS) Los Angeles Times KOH SAMUI, Thailand — Mike White, the creator of the HBO series “The White Lotus,” was in Thailand searching for the perfect place to film the show’s third season. His journey had led him to the island of Koh Samui and into the open-air lobby of the Four Seasons Resort, overlooking lush mountains, glimmering ocean and $9,000-a-night villas. Related Articles Travel | 5 under-the-radar travel destinations the UN says you should visit Travel | Gift ideas for people planning their next trip Travel | Lights and decor, réveillon meals make Christmastime special in New Orleans Travel | Debut of Celebrity Cruises ship caps year of firsts for Port Canaveral Travel | Why American travelers are choosing Europe for Christmas The hotel‘s general manager, Jasjit Singh Assi, was ready with his pitch.