Missing police officer found dead on Naithon Beach in Phuket
PHUKET - The body of a missing police officer was found on Naithon beach early Sunday morning, after he ignored a swimming ban and drowned on Friday.
The body of a missing police officer was found on Naithon Beach in Phuket early Sunday, two days after he went into the sea despite a swimming ban. Police said a villager discovered Pol Lt Thapanpapob Awatchananukul on the beach in Thalang district at 6.50am.
Body recovered with abrasions, wearing only underpants
Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul, chief of Sakhu Police Station, said the officer’s body was found wearing only underpants. Investigators said abrasions on the body were believed to have been caused by sand.
The discovery ended the search for the 25-year-old officer, whose disappearance followed an evening swim in dangerous surf. Police identified the beach as part of the Sakhu station area in Thalang district.
CCTV and lifeguard account traced final moments
Investigators said CCTV footage showed Pol Lt Thapanpapob arriving at the beach in a Toyota Camry and entering the water at about 6pm on Friday. Police said he ignored no-swimming signs posted at the beach.
A red flag had been raised because of dangerous currents and waves in the area. A lifeguard said he tried unsuccessfully to stop the officer from swimming there.
The lifeguard later saw him calling for help before he disappeared under a large wave that the guard could not reach in time, police said. Pol Col Salan, quoting the victim’s father, said his son was a deputy inspector at Thai Mueang Police Station in neighboring Phangnga and loved swimming in the sea.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3256409/missing-policeman-found-drowned-on-phuket-beach
