A dream holiday in Thailand has ended in heartbreak for the family of a 41-year-old Australian man, whose body was discovered floating off the coast of Phuket last week.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Australian expat and travel community, raising important questions about beach safety, travel risks, and what Aussies need to know before heading overseas.


The South Australian man, whose name has not been released for privacy reasons, had travelled to Thailand on 20 April for what was meant to be a relaxing getaway.

But on 7 May, his wife reported him missing after he failed to return from a swim at the popular Freedom Beach in Phuket.

Three days later, the chief lifeguard at Freedom Beach spotted a body drifting about 20 metres from the shore during a morning patrol.


Local police and emergency responders were called to the scene, where they found the man wearing only black underpants, floating motionless in the water amid strong surf conditions.

Authorities used ropes to bring the body ashore carefully, and the man was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a formal autopsy.

Police believe that powerful sea currents may have overwhelmed him, making it impossible to swim back to safety.


'We believe that the sea currents were too strong for him to swim back to land,' Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Chamnankit told local media.

'Tourists should not go in the sea during these conditions when there are strong waves unless they are with an experienced guide.'

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment, and the man’s family has been notified of the tragic discovery.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, another Australian, 22-year-old Corey Walsh from Melbourne, died while on a tour boat off the coast of Phuket.

According to reports, Mr Walsh had been drinking before he jumped from the anchored vessel near the popular snorkelling spot of Koh Racha Yai.

He got into trouble in the water and was pulled under by the current. Despite the efforts of tour staff and emergency services, he could not be revived.

And it’s not just Australians who have fallen victim to the dangers of the sea in Southeast Asia.

On 2 May, Chinese tourist Zhang Xiaohan drowned while scuba diving off the remote Kabakan Island in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, after being swept away by strong currents while trying to retrieve her GoPro camera.

While Thailand and its neighbouring countries are famous for their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, they can also be deceptively dangerous—especially during certain times of the year.

The monsoon season, typically from May to October, brings strong winds, powerful waves, and unpredictable currents to many popular tourist spots.

Many Australians may not be aware that the red flags and warning signs posted on beaches in Thailand are there for a reason.

Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard by rips and undertows, and lifeguard services may not be as comprehensive as those we’re used to back home.

Alcohol is another major risk factor. As seen in the case of Corey Walsh, drinking before swimming or engaging in water activities can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase the risk of drowning.

Planning a beach holiday in Thailand or another overseas destination? Keep these key safety tips in mind.

Always respect local warnings, including flags, signs and lifeguard advice—red flags mean stay out.

Swim with a buddy rather than alone, and avoid alcohol before swimming.


Check local weather and tides to stay informed, and know your limits—strong swimmers can still get caught out.

Lastly, ensure your travel insurance covers water activities and medical care.

If you ever find yourself in the heartbreaking situation of a loved one going missing while overseas, contact local authorities immediately and contact the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for assistance.

They can provide support and help coordinate with local officials.

While these stories are tragic, they also serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of caution and preparation when travelling abroad.

The ocean is beautiful, but it demands respect—no matter how experienced you are or how inviting the water looks.
Have you or someone you know had a close call while travelling overseas? What safety tips would you share with fellow SDC members? Let us know in the comments below. Your advice could help save a life.