PHUKET — A 34-year-old Japanese man died after drowning at Karon Beach in Phuket on Saturday morning, marking another tragic incident involving foreign tourists in the popular resort destination.
The victim, identified as Hikaru, was vacationing with his 33-year-old wife when the incident occurred during the early morning hours of June 28. The couple had arrived at their hotel on June 27 and were scheduled to stay until June 29.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Jaras Lempan, an investigator at Karon Police Station, authorities were notified around noon on Saturday to examine the body at Patong Hospital. Medical staff confirmed that Hikaru had died at the scene of the incident.
The victim’s wife, who witnessed the drowning, declined to have the body sent for autopsy at Vachira Phuket Hospital, stating she was certain her husband died from drowning as she was present when the tragedy occurred.
Hotel staff reported that the Japanese couple had left their accommodation early Saturday morning to swim at Karon Beach when the fatal incident took place.
Police have documented the case and coordinated with the Japanese Embassy before releasing the body to the widow for religious ceremonies.
This drowning occurs during Thailand’s monsoon season, when southern seas experience high variability and dangerous conditions. Karon Beach recently witnessed a similar tragedy on June 10, when a 41-year-old Albanian woman drowned while swimming with her Egyptian husband on their first day in Phuket.
Local Phuket authorities have been working to warn tourists by placing red flags as warning symbols along beaches during hazardous conditions.
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for international visitors during the monsoon period when sea conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous.
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