An off-duty police deputy superintendent rescued three tourists from dangerous surf at Nai Yang Beach in Phuket after they entered the sea despite red warning flags.
Police said the tourists were pulled safely ashore on 27 September after Lieutenant Colonel Kraison Chomchuen, deputy superintendent for prevention and suppression at Sakhu Police Station, paddled out through the waves on a surfboard.
It happened at Nai Yang Beach in Sakhu subdistrict, Thalang district, where the tourists had been hit by waves and were in difficulty in the water.
Officer responded after finishing work
Lt Col Kraison said he had finished his shift and was walking outside his home, around 100 metres from the beach, when local residents ran over shouting that people were drowning.
On hearing this, he immediately ran to help. He first went to the beach lifeguard point, but no lifeguards were there because several incidents were occurring at the same time, he said.
He then saw at least three tourists struggling in the sea and took a surfboard lying nearby before heading into the surf.
Good Samaritans and a fishing boat later joined the rescue effort, helping bring all three tourists safely back to shore.
Lt Col Kraison said large waves repeatedly rolled him over and pulled him beneath the water as he paddled towards those in trouble.
"At that time, I did not think about my own safety," he said. "I only thought that I had to save people."
Red flags are not optional
For residents and visitors, the rescue is a reminder that red flags on Phuket beaches signal hazardous sea conditions and should be treated as a clear instruction not to enter the water.
Conditions can change quickly during rough weather, and strong waves can put even experienced swimmers at risk. Visitors should follow beach warnings and seek advice from lifeguards where they are present, rather than assuming a beach is safe because others are in the water.
Colonel Salan Santisasanakul, superintendent of Sakhu Police Station, said he regularly tells officers that they must remain ready to respond because emergencies can occur at any time.
He praised Lt Col Kraison for acting without hesitation despite being off duty, saying the officer had accepted personal danger by going through the waves to save the tourists. Col Salan said such actions would leave a lasting impression on tourists of Thailand's commitment to safety.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
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29 September 2026
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