The body of a Canadian tourist has been found off the coast of Sam Roi Yot, three days after he went missing while swimming in rough sea conditions near Khao Takiab Temple.
Police said the man, aged 63, entered the sea in the Khao Takiab area of Hua Hin on 7 January while travelling with two friends. He was swept away by strong waves and failed to return to shore.
Rescue teams launched a search operation shortly after the man was reported missing. However, authorities said high waves measuring around two to three metres made conditions unsafe, forcing the search to be suspended.
Body discovered off Sam Roi Yot coast
On 10 January, Pol Capt Kowit Sukbunthong, a deputy investigation officer at Sam Roi Yot Police Station, received a report from a fishing boat that a body had been seen floating at sea near Don Takhraeng, about one nautical mile from the shore.
The fishing vessel, named Chok Peeraphong, brought the body back to shore at Khlong Bang Hak in Sam Roi Yot district. Police investigators, a doctor from Sam Roi Yot Hospital and rescue workers from the Sawang Methee Thammasathan Sam Roi Yot Foundation attended the scene to carry out an initial examination.
Authorities said the deceased was a foreign male, believed to be about 60 years old. The body was found in an advanced state of decomposition. He was not wearing a shirt and was dressed only in grey underwear.
Tattoos were observed on the back of his left shoulder, described as a five-line yantra design, as well as additional images and lettering on his right arm. Police said there were no visible signs of injury or evidence of foul play, and it was estimated that the man had been dead for at least two days.
The body was taken to Sam Roi Yot Hospital for preservation.
Later the same day, a foreign tourist visited the hospital and confirmed that the deceased was his friend, identifying him as a Canadian national. Police said the identification matched details from their earlier missing person investigation linked to the incident near Khao Takiab.
Authorities said investigations are continuing, but preliminary findings indicate the man drowned after being swept away by strong waves while swimming in hazardous sea conditions.