A Saudi tourist drowned after being swept away by powerful waves while swimming off the coast of Phuket in southern Thailand.

Suhayb Mohammed Dhaher, 22, plunged into the choppy seas off Bang Tao Beach as he went swimming with two friends off the popular resort island on July 26.

However, the trio were soon lashed by strong currents. Locals heard their panicked screams for help and rushed to their aid.

Two of the tourists were dragged back to shore, but Suhayb reportedly disappeared under the large waves.

Police said they were notified of the incident at 5:30 pm local time. Rescue teams were deployed to the area but failed to find the missing holidaymaker.

Suhayb's body was discovered by a lifeguard when he washed up on Layan Beach on July 28. Police said he was wearing the same swimming trunks on the day he went missing.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Kittipong Nupheng of Choeng Thale Police Station said: ‘The body was sent to forensic doctors for a post-mortem exam to confirm his identity and determine the cause of death. We will contact his relatives to retrieve the body for a funeral.'

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.