On Sunday morning, the body of a missing police officer was recovered from Naithon beach in the Thalang district of Phuket. The officer reportedly drowned on Friday after disregarding a swimming ban.
According to Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul, the chief of the Sakhu police station, a local resident discovered the remains of Pol Lt Thapanpapob Awatchananukul at approximately 6:50 AM. The deceased was found wearing only underpants and exhibited abrasions thought to be caused by sand.
Investigators examined CCTV footage and determined that the 25-year-old officer drove to the beach in his Toyota Camry around 6 PM on Friday and entered the water despite evident no-swimming warnings. A red flag had been posted due to hazardous currents and waves in the area.
A lifeguard on duty reported that he attempted to prevent the officer from swimming but was unsuccessful. The lifeguard later witnessed Pol Lt Thapanpapob signaling for help before being submerged by a large wave.
Pol Col Salan mentioned that the victim’s father stated his son, who served as a deputy inspector at the Thai Mueang police station in the neighboring Phangnga province, had a passion for swimming in the ocean.
Source: Bangkok Post
