Body found on Cape Panwa beach

AO MAKHAM: The body of a man believed to be a Muslim fisherman was found on the beach in front of the Cape Panwa Hotel on Tuesday evening. Pol Capt Cha-oom Kaosrisuwan of the Phuket Town Police Station told the Gazette that the man, as yet unidentified, wore a black T-shirt, a green camouflage jacket, and a pair of fishermen’s trousers. He is estimated to have been between 30 and 40 years old and is thought to have died at least three days before his body was found. “The hotel staff told us that, two days before the body was found at the beach, some villagers from Koh Yao Yai came to the hotel by fishing boat and asked if anyone had seen a body washed up on the sand. “They told the staff that if someone drowned near Koh Yao, the wind would normally bring the body to this part of Phuket. Then they left without giving any more information,” said Capt Cha-oom. Koh Yao Yai is about two kilometers to the east of the deep-sea port in Ao Makham and about three and a half kilometers to the northeast of Cape Panwa. After the body was found, the Phuket Town Police contacted Koh Yao Police Station to see if officers there had any information about someone drowning, but were told that no report had been made. Capt Cha-oom said that foul play had been ruled out. “I believe the cause of death was drowning. We checked his body and saw no bruises or cuts from sharp or heavy objects. There was damage to his left ear and his fingers, but it’s likely this was done by fish after he died.” The man had a beard, dark skin and was circumcised, he added, which was why it was thought he might be Muslim. The body has been buried temporarily in Toong Thong until the man’s relatives can be located.