Accident Japanese Tourist Drowns at Karon Beach During Phuket Holiday

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

An incident occurred at Karon Beach today when a 34-year-old Japanese man drowned while swimming, soon after arriving in Phuket for a short holiday with his girlfriend.

 

At around 12:30 on 28 June, Pol. Lt. Col. Jaras Lempan of Karon Police Station received a report that a tourist was in critical condition after drowning in the sea off Karon Beach. Emergency responders transported the man to Patong Hospital, but medical staff were unable to revive him despite prolonged CPR efforts. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

 

The deceased, whose name has not yet been released pending notification of family, had flown to Phuket on 27 June with his 33-year-old girlfriend. The couple had planned to stay for three days, with their trip scheduled to end on 29 June.

 

According to police investigations, the couple had gone for a swim in the sea during the late morning. It was then that the man encountered difficulty and went under. His girlfriend, visibly distraught, told authorities that she did not wish for a post-mortem examination at Vachira Phuket Hospital, believing the cause of death to be accidental drowning.

 

Police will now coordinate with the Japanese Embassy to ensure that all legal and diplomatic procedures are followed.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-29

 

 

 

[stevenl]

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

His girlfriend, visibly distraught, told authorities that she did not wish for a post-mortem examination at Vachira Phuket Hospital, believing the cause of death to be accidental drowning.

Sad.

 

Do agree with this though, what's the point of a post mortem in a situation like this. Just leave him be.

[Georgealbert]

33 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Sad.

 

Do agree with this though, what's the point of a post mortem in a situation like this. Just leave him be.

Post mortem would confirm the cause of death, which many insurance companies may want.

 

It also rules out all other possibilities. Will confirm nothing in the system, alcohol, medication or drugs. Will confirm no external injuries or existing medical conditions.

 

Also if no other witnesses, it is only her account, so police may want additional evidence.

 

Most embassies also require post mortem, before issuing documents, etc.

[hotchilli]

Very ad situation for the girlfriend... 

[impulse]

23 hours ago, stevenl said:

Sad.

 

Do agree with this though, what's the point of a post mortem in a situation like this. Just leave him be.

 

I'm not sure what standing the GF has to decide.  She may not be too keen on blood toxicology results.

 

At the very least, they should contact the family.  They may have their own suspicions.

 

[JJ-Thailand]

On 6/29/2025 at 5:55 AM, stevenl said:

Do agree with this though, what's the point of a post mortem in a situation like this. Just leave him be.

In some countries they will always perform a post mortem when a foreigner die but I don't know about Thailand. They seem to be a bit flexible following their own regulations.

[Srikcir]

I would think that Japanese living on an island would have good swimming capability to at least reach the beach shore.

"most Japanese can swim well with crawl and breast stroke, but are not good at staying afloat, backstroke, diving, and underwater swimming," The History and Problem of Swimming Education in Japan, International Aquatic History Symposium and Film Festival 2012.

An autopsy and/or consultation with family might indicate an issue with his "staying afloat', etc. His medical history and swimming proficiency might further cause for drowning. His girlfriend didn't seem to be able to add any information regarding his "went under."