New Heaven Crew 2026; Meet Our Koh Tao Dream Team
For more than 30 years, New Heaven Dive School has grown with the rhythm of the waves. Generations have come and gone, tides have shifted, and Koh Tao itself has evolved, but the ocean soul of New Heaven has always remained the same.
Founded on a deep love for the sea, the school began as more than a place for diving; it became a home for ocean people. Today, that vision continues through Khan Zahir, the middle son of Devrim Zahir, who carries his father’s legacy forward with passion, respect, and a deeply conservative mindset toward the ocean.
From daily dives to education-driven conservation efforts, New Heaven has always believed that diving is not just about exploration, but about protection. The reefs surrounding Koh Tao are both our classroom and our responsibility. Every dive is an opportunity to learn, to respect, and to give back to the ocean that gives us so much.
Even now, New Heaven people, old souls and new generations alike, are scattered all around the world. Yet they all share the same beginning: an ocean home here in Koh Tao. No matter how far they travel, their first breaths underwater, their first lessons in reef conservation, and their first real connection to the sea all started at New Heaven Dive School. Let’s get to know our New Heaven Crew of 2026!
Management, Front Desk, and Daily Operation
Khan Zahir
Born and raised in Koh Tao, Khan Zahir has a lifelong connection to the sea. With over 16 years of diving experience, the ocean has always been his home. Today, he carries on the family legacy as the owner of New Heaven Dive School, overseeing the team of Instructors and Divemasters, the dive boats, and daily operations. While his role has shifted from daily dives to leadership, his passion for diving and ocean conservation remains at the heart of everything he does. Known for his honesty and relaxed nature, Khan has created a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where divers from all backgrounds feel at home. His passion is not just growing the business but to ensure that every diver is happy diving.
Jajaa Chananya
Jajaa has been part of the New Heaven Dive School team since mid-2025 as our receptionist. She’s the first face you’ll see, welcoming you with an easygoing, friendly energy that instantly makes you feel at home. With a background in public relations, travel, and hospitality, Jajaa is approachable, organized, and always happy to help. Whether you’re booking dives, asking for directions, or chatting about island life on Koh Tao, no question is ever too small. She connects people to people and keeps the school running smoothly day after day.
Scuba Diving Instructor & Divemaster Team
Sprite Niruch
Sprite is originally from Chumphon and brings an easygoing spirit and true passion for the ocean to every dive in Koh Tao. With a calm and relaxed teaching style, Sprite helps divers feel comfortable from the very first moment underwater. His courses are fun, supportive, and always focused on safety and good diving habits.
Aiya Bhattamark
Aiya has been part of the New Heaven Dive School family since childhood. What began as visits with her family has grown into a meaningful role within our community. With a strong swimming background and two years of experience as a freediving instructor and scuba divemaster, Aiya has now become a scuba diving instructor. Kind, intelligent, and adaptable, she’s never afraid to step outside her comfort zone and is always willing to inspire others.
Kan Sukarakan
Kan has a background in Marine Science, combining academic knowledge with years of hands-on diving experience from a young age. He has been part of the New Heaven Dive School family since joining the Reef Conservation Program, completing his Divemaster training, and working as a Divemaster. Today, Kan is officially a scuba diving instructor, ready to share his conservation heart for the ocean through a fun, calm, and engaging teaching style.
Gaga Naphat
Gaga is a beloved member of the New Heaven Dive School family who spent much of his childhood right here on Koh Tao. He took his first dive at just 11 years old, and his love for the ocean has only grown stronger since. Driven by a passion for sports and adventure, Gaga became a certified Divemaster, spent time working as a dive guide, and drove a boat. Today, he has achieved another dream, becoming a scuba diving instructor. Polite, easygoing, and always ready with a cheeky joke, he keeps the atmosphere light and fun while never losing focus on safety and responsibility. His natural charm and strong customer service skills make every dive enjoyable and safe.
Freediving Instructor Team
Devrim and Turan Zahir
Devrim Zahir, founder of New Heaven Dive School, has over 30 years of diving experience. As a RAID Freediving Instructor Trainer, he blends freediving, scuba diving, marine conservation, and yoga into a mindful and transformative learning experience.
Alongside him is his son, Turan Zahir, who proudly follows in his footsteps. A true ocean child born and raised in Koh Tao, Turan began diving at just 8 years old. As a freediving instructor and yoga teacher, he brings energy, strength, and inner calm to every session, continuing the same passion and love for the ocean that defines New Heaven.
Kylian Roger
Kylian is a lovely new member of the New Heaven Dive School family, and one we are very proud of. He has been part of our community since early 2024. With a strong passion for wellness, retreats, and the ocean, Kylian brings a unique blend of skills to the team. Backed by his experience as a certified Divemaster, athletic background, and photography skills, he is now officially a freediving instructor and underwater photographer. With his cool, calm, and caring character, he is ready to guide you into the underwater world, one breath at a time.
New Heaven Reef Conservation Team
Kirsty Magson
Kirsty is a passionate marine biologist and a deeply valued part of the New Heaven Dive School family. With more than 10 years of hands-on experience in marine biology and conservation on Koh Tao, she stands at the heart of our New Heaven Reef Conservation Program. As the program director, lecturer, dive leader, thesis consultant, and researcher, Kirsty plays a vital role both above and below the surface. She leads immersive, hands-on dives where students actively collect important underwater data, transforming every dive into a meaningful contribution to marine conservation and a deeper connection with the ocean. She is the founder of the Thai Whale Shark Project and works with DMCR (Department of Marine and Coastal Resources).
Sara Tantiviramanond
Sara has been part of the New Heaven Reef Conservation team since late 2024. She has dedicated her life to environmental protection, beginning her journey on land as a conservationist working with elephants, birds, and other wildlife. Inspired by the ocean, Sara became a certified Divemaster in 2022 and expanded her passion into marine conservation. Today, she supports Kirsty and the team through hands-on conservation work, education, and awareness, helping protect the underwater world of Koh Tao, which she now proudly calls home.
Mony Rinda
Mony (Baimon) is a wonderful member of the New Heaven Reef Conservation family. She began her journey with us in 2023 through her first Reef Conservation course and soon went on to complete her Divemaster training. After graduating in Marine Science from a university in England, Mony returned to Koh Tao to support New Heaven Reef Conservation. She now assists with lectures and fieldwork, sharing her knowledge with conservation students. With her kind and sunny energy, she brings joy and marine science knowledge to every dive.
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