RAYONG – A British tourist drowned off Koh Samet after drinking and swimming on Sunday, police said.
The 60-year-old man, whose name is being withheld, drank alcohol with a group of friends and then went for a swim alone at Ao Phutsa, one of the tourist island’s beaches. He disappeared about 10 minutes later and his friends sought help from other swimmers who were able to pull him from the sea, Pol Maj Wirat Yodsao, a duty officer at Pae police station, said.
Police and paramedics were alerted to the incident at 2pm. The tourist was given first aid before being taken to Rayong hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Pol Maj Wirat said an initial inquiry indicated that the drowning was thought to be alcohol-related.