UPDATE: Freedom Beach remains closed after German tourist dies at sea

Freedom Beach in Phuket remains temporarily closed to general access, sightseeing and water activities after German tourist Jannik Juergen Knobel died while swimming there. Officials are monitoring monsoon conditions before deciding when to reopen.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered the Royal Forest Department (RFD) to strengthen safety measures at the beach and closely monitor sea and weather conditions. The closure covers the recreational forest area surrounding Freedom Beach, which is within the Nak Kerd National Reserved Forest.

The move followed the death of 30-year-old Knobel, who was swept out to sea while swimming at Freedom Beach on Monday, Aug 10. His body was found floating near the beach at about 3pm on Tuesday after an overnight search.

Suchart said public safety must be prioritised during the monsoon season, when strong winds and waves affect the Andaman coast. In some areas, he said, waves could reach two to three metres or more during thunderstorms.

The RFD assigned Pornsarn Kuntalsurakan, director of the Phuket Forestry Center and head of the Freedom Beach Recreation Area, to implement additional safety measures. Department records show particularly strong winds and waves at the beach between Aug 12 and 31 each year.

Officials will assess conditions daily and consider reopening the beach when the sea and weather are safe. Visitors have been urged to follow official warnings and avoid entering the water during periods of strong winds and waves.