*UPDATE* The deceased has been identified as Mr Zhang Huanying, 26, of China, a guest at the popular resort near where he was discovered.
At 3.50pm on February 28, Pol Capt Chatree Chuwitchian of Karon Police was alerted of a suspected drowning incident in front of a popular hotel on the north end of Karon Beach.
At the scene, police and rescue workers found a large crowd gathered around and looking on as lifeguards attempted to revive a motionless Asian man lying on his back in the sand.
Described to be between the ages of 25 and 30, the shirtless man was wearing only black shorts.
All revival attempts were deemed unsuccessful and the body of the man was transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital in order to confirm the cause of death.
Duty lifeguard Mr Mongkol Tanpisamai gave account that while he was watching over tourists swimming in the area, he spotted a body floating beyond the buoys that mark off the safe swimming zone.
Mr Mongkol said he then proceeded to join another lifeguard in a boat to retrieve the body and bring it back to shore, where the unsuccessful resusciation attempt followed.