UPDATE: Body of German tourist Jannik Jürgen Knobel found near Phuket’s Freedom Beach

The body of 30-year-old German national Jannik Jürgen Knobel was located near Phuket’s Freedom Beach at about 3:10pm on 11 August 2026, according to the Royal Forest Department (RFD). The discovery updated an earlier search after he was swept out to sea at the beach the previous day.

Knobel went missing at about 3:45pm on 10 August while swimming with another German tourist, a 28-year-old woman. Karon Police said waves swept both of them out to sea. Lifeguards rescued the woman but were unable to locate Knobel.

Strong winds and rough waves were present, and red warning flags had been displayed at Freedom Beach. The RFD said the flags warned visitors not to enter the water because of the conditions. Karon Police received a report at about 3:48pm and formally recorded Knobel as missing.

Police, rescue teams, local authorities and disaster-response personnel then conducted a coordinated search. The operation was suspended at about 6pm because fading daylight and hazardous sea conditions could endanger rescue personnel. It resumed on 11 August.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered the RFD to mobilise personnel after receiving a report from Nikorn Sirarotchananon, the department’s director-general. Suchart instructed the department to provide full support for the search while prioritising the safety of rescue personnel. Officials also assisted Knobel’s relatives in contacting the German Embassy in Thailand and filing a report with Karon Police Station.

Following the discovery, RFD officials coordinated with investigators from Karon Police Station to examine the scene and carry out the required procedures. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said it would coordinate with the German Embassy regarding Knobel and arrangements to notify his family. Suchart expressed his condolences to Knobel’s family and loved ones and thanked the agencies involved in the search and rescue operation.

Knobel had been staying at a resort in Nai Harn, where police said he checked in on 5 August and was due to check out on 11 August. Investigating officer Pol Lt Col Charas Lempapan of Karon Police had earlier confirmed that the search was continuing.