The two men – Mat Pantip, 51, and Laong Theppitak, 54 – were last seen paddling out near a yacht moored about 50 metres offshore at about 10pm, said Lt Col Panya Chaichana of the Phuket Marine Police.
“Apparently, according to witnesses, the men were overcome by strong wind and waves last night and disappeared,” he said.
“We have expanded our search area and are continuing to look for the two men,” he added.