CHON BURI - A Malaysian tourist has drowned while swimming at a beach in Pattaya.

The body of the Malaysian man, 55, (name withheld pending notification of relatives) was found on the beach in Pattaya Klang area, Bang Lamung district, about 6pm on Monday, said Pol Lt Chanan Ketsornbua, duty officer at Pattaya police station. 

Investigators learned the tourist had arrived in Pattaya with a tour group.  Other tour members went to play golf, but the man did not join them. He was seen swimming in the sea alone on Monday afternoon. 

Residents walking along the beach saw he appeared to be in distress about 50 metres from the shore.   They rushed into the sea to bring him to shore and called rescue workers to help him.  However, they failed to save his life.  

The body was sent for a post-mortem examination at Police General Hospital. Police said they were advising the Malaysian embassy.