Drunk Swimmer Found Dead Off Pattaya Beach After 5 Hour Search

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon 

A 57-year-old man has been found dead in the sea off Pattaya after disappearing while swimming late at night, prompting a police investigation and a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. The body was recovered on the morning of 27 December 2025, around five hours after the man was last seen struggling in the water.

Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya were alerted to the discovery of a body in the sea opposite Soi 13/4 along Pattaya Beach. They coordinated with marine search and rescue teams and officers from Pattaya City Police Station before proceeding to the scene.

At the location, authorities found the body of Mr Yodchai, aged 57, floating face down in the sea about 200 metres from the shore. He was dressed only in a pair of shorts, with his body described as turning stiff at the time of recovery. Marine operations officers brought the body ashore for examination.

A preliminary inspection found no signs of physical assault or struggle. On the beach, officers also located a bag belonging to the deceased, which contained personal belongings and a resealable plastic bag holding a white powdery substance resembling narcotics. This item was collected and retained as evidence.

According to police, Mr Fahsai Saengsee, aged 44, who knew the deceased, provided details of events leading up to the incident. He told investigators that at around 1am, he and Mr Yodchai had been swimming out to a boat anchored offshore. Mr Fahsai reached the boat safely, but Mr Yodchai, who had been drinking alcohol, became exhausted and sank beneath the water.

Mr Fahsai stated that he was unable to assist or rescue his companion and could only watch as Mr Yodchai disappeared in front of him. After the incident, he reported the disappearance to the authorities, triggering a search operation. Despite efforts, rescuers were unable to locate the man during the night, and his body was only discovered later that morning.

Police from Pattaya City Police Station documented the scene and collected photographic evidence. The body has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital for a formal post-mortem examination. Authorities said the examination would be used to establish the precise cause of death and to support the ongoing investigation.

Investigators have not yet confirmed whether alcohol consumption or other factors contributed directly to the drowning. Further findings will depend on forensic results and additional inquiries, including examination of the substance found among the deceased’s belongings.

Key Takeaways

• A 57-year-old man drowned off Pattaya Beach after swimming at night and disappearing for about five hours.

• Police found no initial signs of assault, but recovered a bag containing a white powdery substance for evidence.

• The body has been sent for a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-12-28