The tourist, 50-year-old Lu Weidong, died whilst being transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital after he was pulled from the water unconscious whilst swimming at Batok Bay around midday.
“We were told that the man was rescued from the sea by a beach guard stationed at Koh Racha and immediately given CPR,” said Lt Watcharawit Kraisook of the Tourist Police.
“Tour boat staff said that the victim had come with a group of 33 tourists, including four family members, with the Nonthasak Marine Company.
“The group were led by two foreign women, who held only a job order. There was no Thai tour guide with them,” he said.
“The victim was staying at Club Med in Kata with his family. He arrived on January 31 and was due to leave the country on February 4,” he added.
Phuket MoTS Chief Santi Pawai said, “I have ordered my office to investigate Nonthasak Marine, and also sent them to the hospital to meet with the victim’s relatives.
“If we find that Nonthasak Marine provided a tour without a tour guide they will face legal action and be held responsible for the incident,” he said.
A representative of Club Med told police that the hotel had hired a boat from Nonthasak Marine, who provided the boat and its captain, Lt Watcharawit said.
The two foreign women on the boat were hotel staff, including 23-year-old Ms Kuo Yi Chun, who was there to lead and take care of the group, he added.
Lt Watcharawit noted that Club Med is taking care of the victim’s family’s expenses while Nonthasak Marine contact their insurance company.
“The Chinese embassy has been notified of the incident,” he said.