The body of the man was discovered unconscious on Nai Yang Beach at about 11am.
No identification or personal belongings were found at the scene, and police said initial checks around Nai Yang Beach revealed no witnesses who knew the man or had seen him swimming.
Rescue workers arrived shortly after and rushed the man to Thalang Hospital, where doctors attempted CPR. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at 12:25pm.
Pol Lt Col Kraisorn Boonprasop, the Investigation Chief at Thalang Police, has now confirmed that the man was a Russian national traveling alone.
Pol Lt Col Kraisorn said he was unable to recall the Russian man’s name and age, but confirmed that the investigation had been completed and that Russian Embassy officials had been notified.
“Based on surveillance footage, he was a male tourist travelling along,” Pol Lt Col Kraisorn said.
“He was seen at the beach and then disappeared. He likely ignored the red flags posted along the beach and went into the water.
“We questioned nearby residents, which revealed that no one had noticed, but it is presumed that he ignored the red flags and went swimming. No further details can be provided as there are no witnesses or anyone else who can explain the situation,” Lt Col Kraisorn concluded.