The body has been confirmed to be that of Thawat Sriracha, 44, from Phitsanulok. Mr Thawat had arrived in Phuket on Saturday (July 29). He came to the island to start a new job.
Mr Thawat disappeared amid large waves at Surin Beach on Sunday. Red flags were posted at the beach to warn people to not enter the water because it was too dangerous to swim.
A search for Mr Thawat was launched immediately, with lifeguards, rescue workers and officials from Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) taking part.
However, search efforts were hampered by strong wind waves, some reaching over three metres tall.
The search continued yesterday with Marine Police and Navy personnel joining the efforts, but the body was found by local residents at about 2pm. The body was found washed onto rocks about a kilometre from where Mr Thawat disappeared.
The local residents reported the discovery to the Special Operations Center that had been set up to coordinate search efforts.
Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers recovered the body, which was confirmed to be of Mr Thawat.
Rescue workers then transported the body to Thalang Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, so it can be handed over to relatives to conduct Mr Thawat’s funeral.