RAWAI, PHUKET: The heavily tattooed body of an unknown Caucasian man washed up on Nai Harn Beach yesterday.

The body was in an advanced state of decomposition, with its skull exposed.

Police believe the man died several days before the body was discovered.

One local newspaper carried a graphic photograph of the body, clothed only in a pair of red underpants, on its front page today.

The body showed signs of severe head injuries, though police believe they were most likely sustained after death.

The man was about 165cm tall, with tattoos covering most of his body.

Chalong Police were on the scene shortly after receiving a report that a body had washed up on the beach that morning.

Rescue workers from the Phuket Ruamjai Rescue Foundation brought the body to Vachira Phuket Hospital for examination.

Chalong Police are requesting that anyone with knowledge of a missing person that matches the description above contact them immediately and are contacting other police stations on Phuket to determine if the man has been reported missing or if there have been reports of tourists being lost at sea.

The body showed no outward signs of foul play. Police suspect the man drowned elsewhere off Phuket and was carried into the area by local currents.

Police say an autopsy will need to be performed before they can comment further on possible causes.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/news/index.as...7&display=1

-- Phuket Gazette 22/05/09

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