Pol Lt Sinth Saijit of the Thalang Police was informed of the man’s behaviour by local residents at 4:50pm yesterday (June 6).
Local residents expressed their concern that the incident created an unsightly spectacle for passersby, including students from a nearby school.
Officers arrived at the scene, a convenience store opposite Thalang Hospital, to find the man, completely naked, lounging in the area beside the convenience store.
The man, identified as Philip Raymond North, 32, from Liverpool, was using a plastic advertising sign as a makeshift mat.
Mr North told officers that he was staying at a hotel near Nai Yang Beach.
He had traveled to the convenience store by motorcycle to buy powdered tea and decided to disrobe and sunbathe there, as he found the weather pleasant and reminiscent of a beach setting.
The officers informed Mr North that public nudity was inappropriate and instructed him to dress immediately.
Mr North initially requested 20 more minutes to finish his tea, but instead was told to return to his accommodation and advised to sunbathe at the beach instead.
Local residents reported that Mr North had been engaging in similar behaviour for the past two to three days, much to the dismay of local residents.
Officers at the scene said that while Phuket is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, public decorum must be maintained, especially in areas frequented by families and children.