Police were called to PNT Pier in Rassada at 5pm.
“We found no signs of foul play or injury on the body and we were told that the victim either drowned or died from choking on water, but doctors will examine the body and determine the cause of death,” said Lt Somchay Nooboon of the Phuket City Police.
“We were told that the victim and his friends were snorkelling at Koh Khai in Phang Nga province. The victim went to check out coral and started choking violently underwater,” he said.
“His friends and staff pulled him up to the speedboat and hoped to get him to hospital in time, but apparently he died while en route back to Phuket.”
Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers transported the body of the 32-year-old Chinese tourist to Vachira Phuket Hospital.
The victim’s name is being withheld until the embassy and the family has been notified.