SAM ROI YOT, THAILAND – The body of a 63-year-old Canadian tourist was recovered off the coast of Sam Roi Yot three days after he disappeared while swimming near Hua Hin, with authorities attributing the death to drowning amid rough seas.
Body found near Don Ta Khaeng sandbank
On 10 January, the crew of the fishing boat Chok Peeraphong reported to police in Sam Roi Yot that they had spotted a lifeless person drifting at sea. The sighting was near the well-known Don Ta Khaeng sandbank, about one nautical mile off the coast. The boat owner brought the body ashore to Khlong Bang Hak in Village 2 of Sam Roi Yot subdistrict to hand it over to the authorities.
Investigators find no sign of foul play
After the body arrived on land, investigators from the local police station and a team of forensic doctors from Sam Roi Yot Hospital took over the case. They were assisted by rescue personnel from the Sawang Methee Thammasathan Sam Roi Yot Foundation, who carried out an initial examination of the site and the remains, identifying the victim as a foreign man of about 60 years of age. The man was shirtless and wearing only grey swimming trunks, and experts noted several distinctive tattoos, including a traditional five-line yantra tattoo on the left shoulder and another design with lettering on the right arm.
Friend confirms identity of Canadian victim
According to police, a foreign tourist later confirmed that the deceased was his friend Thom Gregory John. The 63-year-old Canadian citizen was identified by his companion based on his physical characteristics, including the tattoos. Police sources at the scene stated that the identification by the friend was considered unequivocal.
Disappearance began at Hua Hin beach
Reconstruction of the events showed that John had travelled with two friends to the Hua Hin district on 7 January, where they checked into a hotel. Shortly after arriving, he went to the beach near Wat Khao Takiab to swim in the sea. At that time, strong waves were already making bathing dangerous.
Search suspended amid two- to three-metre waves
While swimming, the Canadian was caught by powerful waves and quickly pulled underwater, after which he disappeared. Rescue teams launched an immediate and extensive search and rescue operation, but the forces of nature worked against them. Due to high waves of around two to three metres, the search had to be temporarily suspended for the safety of the rescue teams, dimming hopes of saving him alive.
Case closed as drowning; embassy notified
John’s body was eventually found much further south in the sea off the Sam Roi Yot district. Investigators officially recorded the case as consistent with a death by drowning and stated there was no indication of a criminal offence. Police were coordinating with relevant agencies and the Canadian embassy on formal procedures, including temporary storage of the body at Sam Roi Yot Hospital and arrangements to hand the remains over to his relatives.
Authorities repeat urgent sea-safety warnings
In light of the incident, authorities used the case to renew urgent warnings against swimming during strong winds and high waves. Tourists were urged to follow key safety rules, especially never entering the sea when official warnings of high waves had been issued. Officials also stressed the importance of heeding instructions from rescue workers and local authorities, avoiding coastal areas known for heavy surf, and remaining alert to visible currents and dangerous surf zones before approaching the water.