A Russian tourist was dragged out to sea while swimming with his girlfriend on the Thai island Phuket.

Denis Konenkov, 35, was taking a late-night dip with his partner, Kamila Sharipova, 24, when they were battered by large waves at the beach near their luxury hotel.

The boyfriend was able to push his girlfriend back to shore, but struggled to swim back himself. Kamila screamed as he was soon swept away by strong currents and disappeared beneath the surf.

Police said they were notified at around 1:10 am local time on Thursday. They found the woman waiting at the scene in front of the Andaman White Beach Resort hotel.

Police Colonel Salan Santisatthakun, investigator at Sakhu Police Station, said: 'The couple entered the sea at around 12:30 am despite strong winds and rough conditions. Initially, no search boats or divers were available due to the darkness and strong winds. Relevant personnel will begin the search at first light.'

Authorities said the man's body washed ashore at Nai Thon Beach at 3:09 pm on Thursday. His body was taken to a hospital for a post-mortem exam.

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.