Testing reveals “female’ body washed up on Surin Beach is male

PHUKET: The unidentified body initially reported to be that of a woman found washed up on Surin Beach in September has turned out to be that of a man, police revealed to the Phuket Gazette today.

“DNA testing has now confirmed that this is the body of a man – not a woman,” Lt Jeerasak Sungwisut of the Cherng Talay Police said.

“However, because of the poor condition of the body, we have so far been unable to identify the person in question – we cannot even determine whether he was Asian or Caucasian.”

A local resident made the gruesome discovery on September 29 and immediately contacted police. The man’s hands were bound behind his back (story here).

Police are calling on anyone with missing male relatives to contact them directly so that they can be tested for a possible DNA match with the victim.

“We haven’t given up, but until we have identified the body, it’s difficult for us to move forward with our investigation,” said Lt Jeerasak.

“We have already contacted other police stations on the island about missing persons, but we’ve yet to receive any leads.”

Anyone with information that might be useful can contact Lt Jeerasak in person at the Cherng Talay Police Station or call 076-325 630.

— Chutharat Plerin