Freedom Beach remains closed indefinitely as rough seas persist
Patong Municipality has extended the closure of Phuket’s Freedom Beach after a drowning and amid continued rough sea conditions.
Freedom Beach in Patong will remain closed indefinitely while officials monitor persistent rough seas and weather conditions, the Freedom Beach Recreation Area under Patong City Municipality announced on 3 September 2026.
The beach was initially closed in early August after a 30-year-old German tourist drowned on 10 August while swimming there. His body was found floating near the beach the following afternoon after an overnight search.
Following the incident, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered the Royal Forest Department to strengthen safety measures at the beach and monitor sea and weather conditions before any reopening.
The Royal Forest Department said records show Freedom Beach is particularly vulnerable to strong winds and rough seas between 12 and 31 August each year. Patong Municipality said officials would assess conditions daily, and the beach would only be considered for reopening once they return to a safe level.
