Karon Police reported being alerted to the incident at about 7:30pm by a nurse at Chalong Hospital, where the man had been brought for emergency treatment. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was confirmed dead on arrival.
According to hospital staff, a Good Samaritan called the Narenthorn emergency centre after spotting the man struggling in the water near the sports stadium at the southern end of Karon Beach at about sunset. Bystanders performed CPR before paramedics rushed him to Chalong Hospital.
Pol Lt Phirawat Yodtor, the Karon Police investigator on duty, said the man was wearing only blue shorts and had fair skin. No signs of injury or foul play were found during the initial examination.
The body has been sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a medical examination to confirm the cause of death while police work to identify the deceased and notify any relatives.