Authorities learned of the man’s disappearance at 8.05pm from a Udon Thani woman, 30-year-old Sompong Noynat and a mute man, 24-year-old Arthit Sansuk.
When police arrived to Nai Thon Beach, they found Ms Sompong crying and surrounded by a group of about 10 onlookers, along with Mr Arthit, who had various scrapes on his body and face.
Sompong said that the missing man was 30-year-old Vichit Sophon, her boyfriend of the last month. She reported that she, Vichit and Arthit had come to relax and eat on the rocks at the far end of Nai Thon Beach at about 5pm.
She reported that by about 7.45pm, Vichit and Arthit had gone down to catch crabs on the rocks below, but that by about 8pm Arthit had returned alone, relaying through sign language that Vichit had been swept out to sea and drowned.
Arthit was treated for his scrapes at hospital and told investigators, through sign language, that while he and Vichit were looking for crabs, a huge wave knocked the both of them down into the water.
At first, Arthit said he was able to hold on to Vichit with one hand, clinging onto rocks with the other hand, but more waves overwhelmed him, causing him to lose hold of Vichit who was swept out into the darkness.
Arthit said he then managed to climb up to safety and alert Sompong of what happened.
Authorities and local volunteers scoured the beach and shone their flashlights all along the outcropping but to no avail, and due to the strong waves and low visibility, were unable to expand their search, which was eventually called off until daylight.