Police believe the deceased is Pol Lt Thaphanpapop Awachananukul, also known as ‘Capt Pond’, 25, a deputy investigator attached to Thai Mueang Police Station in Phang Nga.
The body was found washed ashore near the Phra Ta La To Shrine at Nai Thon Beach in Sakhu at about 6:30am today (May 17), according to Sakhu Police.
Pol Lt Col Kornpoom Pongpaiboon, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Sakhu Police Station, said villagers alerted police after spotting the body on the beach.
He arrived at the scene with Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul, Superintendent of Sakhu Police Station, and forensic doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital to examine the body.
The body was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for post-mortem examination and formal identification. Relatives are being contacted to confirm the identity before the body is released for religious rites, police said.
According to the police report, investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the roadside near the beach and found that at about 6pm on Friday (May 15), Pol Lt Thaphanpapop had parked his Toyota Camry beside Nai Thon Beach before entering the water alone.
At about 6:30pm, lifeguards were alerted after the swimmer was pulled out to sea by strong waves and rip currents. Rescue personnel attempted to reach him, but conditions were too dangerous.
Authorities launched an immediate search operation involving police, rescue workers and local volunteers, but the search was suspended at about 7pm due to darkness and rough seas.
A search command centre was established at Nai Thon Beach the following morning, but dangerous surf conditions prevented underwater operations. Search teams instead focused on shoreline and rocky coastal areas until the body was discovered today.
Officials again warned residents and tourists not to swim at west coast beaches during the southwest monsoon season, particularly where red warning flags are displayed due to dangerous waves and rip currents.