A Japanese tourist has drowned after swimming in stormy seas despite warnings from locals in southern Thailand, authorities said.

Holidaymaker Satoshi Sato, 46, was found lifeless off the coast of Khao Lak in Phang Nga province on Sunday, October 2, following a two-day search and rescue operation.

The man and his wife, Junko, 45, had reportedly gone for a dip in the sea in front of a hotel resort on October 1, allegedly ignoring red flags erected along the beach warning tourists not to swim in the high waves.

Hotel staff said they had also warned the visitors about the inclement weather, to no avail.

As the pair paddled in the water, Satoshi was allegedly swept away by the tide and went missing, but his wife was rescued by hotel employees.

Naval authorities launched a search for Satoshi on Saturday, October 1, but it had to be called off later that night due to poor visibility and turbulent waves.

The rescue resumed the following day, October 2, with the man's body being found at 2:30 pm local time. His remains have been sent to a hospital for an autopsy.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police said: 'Tourists should follow beach rules and avoid swimming when there are red flags set up. Authorities should also prohibit tourists from swimming during a storm.'

The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre said the Japanese embassy has been notified of Satoshi's death.