The alarm was first raised by Jiraporn Onkhajorn, who had reported to Tha Chatchai Police that her sister-in-law, Jiraporn Sararat, had gone missing earlier that day.
Ms Jiraporn said she had been unable to find her sister-in-law. She had visited Sai Kaew Beach at about 1pm and found her sister-in-law’s blue Honda Scoopy motorbike along with a pair of shoes and a helmet, abandoned on the beach.
Later, at about 5:40pm, police were informed of a body found floating in the water several kilometres away near Wat Tha ChatChai.
Wat Tha ChatChai is located beside the Srisoonthorn Bridge, which brings traffic onto the island.
Rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Foundation retrieved the body from the water.
The deceased, a Thai woman approximately 50 years old, was wearing an orange-cream shirt and black long pants. No immediate signs of a struggle were observed during the initial examination, rescue workers noted.
Ms Jiraporn arrived at the scene and confirmed that the body was indeed her missing sister-in-law.
Authorities transported the body to Thalang Hospital for further examination to determine the cause of death.
Police said they were continuing their investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
If you or anyone you know is in need of emotional support and counselling, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand at their hotline 02-113-6789 (English & Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai).