PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 59-year-old tourist from Sweden drowned on Sunday midday while swimming off Ban Amphur beach near Pattaya despite immediate resuscitation attempts by other beachgoers.
Emergency response at Somprasong Beach
According to police, the incident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. on 4 January 2026 at Somprasong Beach in Ban Amphur, Najomtien subdistrict in Sattahip district, Chonburi province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Montien Kadudom, an investigator at Najomtien Police Station, was notified and went to the scene with rescue teams from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Sattahip Foundation. When they arrived, officers found several foreign tourists and local residents already attempting to resuscitate the unconscious man on the shore.
Victim identified and CPR unsuccessful
The victim was later identified as Stefan Peter K., a 59‑year‑old Swedish national, who was wearing swimwear and showed no signs of life, according to police. Beachgoers immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but despite these efforts he could not be stabilised and was pronounced dead on the beach.
Statement from companion and initial findings
A woman described by authorities as the man’s close companion told officials that they had driven to the beach to swim and relax. She said he had drunk beer before going into the sea, and the fatal incident was believed to have occurred during this time in the water. Police secured the area, documented the scene and interviewed witnesses; based on the first assessment, there were no indications of a crime, and the case was initially treated as an accidental death by drowning pending further investigations, Montien Kadudom stressed.
Autopsy and embassy support
The body was transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and examine any pre‑existing conditions or other medical factors. At the same time, authorities said they had informed the Swedish embassy to notify the man’s relatives and coordinate the repatriation of the body for burial, with diplomats expected to assist the family with the necessary formalities.
Warnings over alcohol and sea conditions
Local representatives said the incident once again highlighted the importance of following safety rules at beaches, particularly for foreign visitors unfamiliar with local sea and current conditions. Alcohol consumption before swimming, especially in open water, was cited as a specific risk factor, and authorities pointed out that this could significantly increase the danger of drowning accidents.
Risks, safety and prevention
Officials emphasised that swimming under the influence of alcohol greatly raises the risk of drowning and that unknown currents and local conditions can catch bathers by surprise. They urged beach visitors to strictly heed official advice and warnings in order to prevent similar tragedies, adding that the police would complete their investigation once the forensic results were available and would then draw up the final report.
Holidaymakers urged to reassess beach habits
The case raised broader questions among local commentators about the combination of holidays, alcohol and the open sea.
“A beach, a day off, a few beers – and suddenly everything is over.”
said unnamed local representatives.
They also asked:
“How aware are holidaymakers of the risks when alcohol and the open sea come together?”
said unnamed local representatives.
Further questions focused on whether existing warnings were sufficient:
“Are warning signs and notices enough – or is the danger systematically underestimated?”
said unnamed local representatives.
And finally:
“What would need to happen for such tragedies to become less frequent?”
said unnamed local representatives.