Missing police investigator’s body recovered at Nai Thon Beach

Police recovered the body of a missing police investigator at Nai Thon Beach in Phuket on Sunday morning after it washed ashore near the Phra Ta La To Shrine in Sakhu, authorities said. Sakhu Police said the deceased is believed to be Pol Lt Thaphanpapop Awachananukul, also known as Capt Pond, 25, a deputy investigator with Thai Mueang Police Station in Phang Nga.

Villagers spotted the body on the beach and alerted police at about 6:30am on May 17. Pol Lt Col Kornpoom Pongpaiboon, a deputy investigator at Sakhu Police Station, went to the scene with Sakhu Police chief Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul and forensic doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital.

CCTV places officer at beach before disappearance

According to the police report, investigators reviewed roadside CCTV footage showing Pol Lt Thaphanpapop arriving at Nai Thon Beach at about 6pm on Friday, May 15. Police said he parked his Toyota Camry beside the beach before entering the water alone.

At about 6:30pm, lifeguards were alerted after he was pulled farther offshore by strong waves and rip currents. Rescue workers tried to reach him, but sea conditions were too dangerous.

Rough surf limited search and rescue operations

Police, rescue personnel and local volunteers began searching immediately after the alert was raised. The operation was suspended at about 7pm because of darkness and rough seas.

A search command centre was set up at Nai Thon Beach the next morning, but dangerous surf prevented underwater searches. Teams instead searched the shoreline and rocky coastal areas until the body was found.

The body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a post-mortem examination and formal identification. Police said relatives are being contacted to confirm the identity before the body is released for religious rites.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/body-of-missing-police-investigator-recovered-at-nai-thon-100259.php