The victim, identified as Nianas Salae from Padang Besar in Pattani Province, was found at 6:56am yesterday (July 27) on the rocks at Nai Thon Beach, two days after he was reported missing.
Mr Nianas had gone swimming with five friends at Nai Thon Beach on Friday evening (July 25). At around 6pm, while the group was in the water near the wooden bridge ‒ a popular check-in point for visitors ‒ strong waves suddenly struck, pulling Mr Nianas into deeper water. His friends were unable to save him as he was dragged away and disappeared beneath the surface.
Sakhu Police were notified of the incident at 6:30pm that evening. Officers led by Sakhu Police Chief Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul coordinated with local rescue units, including the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation and the Sakhu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor).
However, search efforts on the night of the incident were hindered by high water levels, which made boat operations and diving unsafe.
A large-scale search operation resumed on Saturday (July 26) with support from provincial and local authorities. The search effort included 25 divers, several rubber boats provided by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), Phuket Airport rescue teams and the Cherng Talay OrBorTor.
A drone was also deployed to scan the coastline and rocky areas for signs of the missing man.
The body was finally located early yesterday morning (July 27) on the rocky shoreline near where he was last seen. Relatives from Pattani who had travelled to Phuket to follow the search were contacted and confirmed the identity of the body.
Rescue personnel coordinated with Skahu Police and forensic doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital. The body was then transferred to Thalang Hospital before being released to the family to carry out funeral rites.
Mr Nianas had been working in Phuket at the time of the incident. Authorities have renewed warnings to beachgoers to exercise caution during the monsoon season, when strong waves and rip currents are common.