A half-naked woman was found floating lifeless off an island in Thailand.

Locals discovered the corpse drifting face-up near the breakwater during their early morning workout at the Saphan Hin Park in Phuket at around 6:30 am on November 29.

Police Lieutenant Rachata Promkun of the Mueang Phuket Police Station said: '‘We will have to investigate further whether it was a murder or not.'

The woman was wearing a blue floral dress and black underpants. She was believed to be around 40 years old and is estimated to have been dead for at least 24 hours.

Her body was discovered by a passer-by exercising along the shore. Fearing strong waves would sweep it out to sea, the individual immediately called the police.

Authorities said they were checking missing persons reports. The body will undergo a post-mortem exam to determine the exact cause of death.

On November 22, a dead male tourist also washed ashore on Wong Amat Beach in Pattaya City. The white-skinned man, estimated to be between 50 and 60 years old, had been wearing several pieces of jewellery when he was found.

Police believe he drowned, but added they have not ruled out foul play.

Beach drownings are a recurring safety concern in Thailand, especially in tourist hotspots like Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi. The deaths often attributed to strong rip currents, lack of swimming skills, and disregard for warning signages.

The waters are most dangerous during the country's rainy monsoon season, when red flags are placed in beaches to warn of dangerous sea conditions.