Body found on Nai Thon Beach believed to be missing police captain
Body found on Nai Thon Beach believed to be missing police captain — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
A man’s body was found washed ashore at Nai Thon Beach in Phuket early Saturday, two days after a 26-year-old police captain was swept out to sea there, police said. Officers believe the body may be Pol Capt Thanpatphop “Muang Pond” Awatjananukul, a deputy investigation inspector from Thai Mueang Police Station in Phang Nga, and have sent it for forensic examination while relatives are contacted to confirm his identity.
Police were alerted at about 6.30am on May 17 after villagers reported a body on the sand near the Por Tor La To shrine in Moo 4, Sakhu. Investigators from Sakhu Police, joined by a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital, found a Thai male wearing only black underwear, with a bloated body and abrasions.
Search efforts were hampered by rough seas
The drowning was first reported at about 6.30pm on May 15, when a man entered the water off Nai Thon Beach and was pulled offshore by waves more than 2 metres high amid strong wind. Lifeguards tried to rescue him but were unable to reach him because of the current.
A bronze Toyota Camry with Chiang Rai plates had been left at the beach, prompting officers to check the registered owner. The initial search was suspended at about 7pm that night without finding the missing man.
A search command center was set up on May 16, but heavy surf prevented any water search. Teams instead checked rocks and the shoreline before ending operations at about 4pm.
Source: https://www.thairath.co.th/news/local/south/2933313
