Body Found on Phuket Beach Believed to Be Missing Police Officer Swept Away by Waves

A body believed to belong to a missing police officer was discovered on Nai Thon Beach in Phuket this morning, May 17, two days after the man reportedly disappeared in rough sea conditions.

The incident began on May 15 when the man went swimming at Nai Thon Beach in Sakhu subdistrict during strong winds and waves estimated at more than two metres high. Witnesses said he was pulled offshore by powerful currents and vanished in the water.

Lifeguards attempted to rescue him but were unable to reach the swimmer because of dangerous sea conditions. Authorities later located a silver Toyota Camry with Chiang Rai licence plates parked near the beach.

At approximately 6.30am today, local residents informed police after spotting a body washed ashore near a shrine in Sakhu.

Police officers and forensic specialists from Vachira Phuket Hospital arrived at the scene and found the body of a middle-aged Thai man wearing only black underwear. Officials said the body had already begun decomposing and showed abrasions on several parts of the body.

Investigators believe the injuries were likely caused by strong waves and contact with sand and rocks while the body drifted in the sea.

Initial examinations suggested the man had died around two days earlier, matching the timeline of the disappearance.

According to police, the deceased is believed to be 25-year-old Police Lieutenant Captain Thaphanpapop, a deputy inspector attached to a police station in Phang Nga province. Family members will formally identify the body before funeral and religious ceremonies are arranged.

The body has been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full post-mortem examination.

The incident comes as Phuket continues to experience rough sea conditions linked to the arrival of the southwest monsoon. Authorities have repeatedly warned residents and tourists to avoid swimming during periods of strong waves and dangerous currents.