An American tourist and his Thai girlfriend tragically drowned after allegedly ignoring red flag weather warnings at a beach in Phuket, Thailand.
James Edmond Newman, 45, from New York, was found washed ashore, while Waranya Chanphai, 48, from Surin province, was discovered floating near Mai Khao Beach on Monday morning.
Police Major Ronnapoom Permpoon of Thachatchai Police Station stated that authorities were notified at 7:07 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Newman wearing only black shorts, with bruises on his back believed to have been caused by the impact of the waves. Waranya was found floating a few feet offshore. Both bodies were taken to Thalang Hospital for autopsies to confirm the causes of death.
According to police, the couple had checked into a nearby hotel on June 16 and went swimming the following morning despite red flag warnings indicating hazardous conditions. Major Ronnapoom speculated, “It is believed that one of them was swept away by a wave, and when the other attempted to assist, they too were overcome and drowned. However, the exact circumstances are still under investigation.”
Winai Sae-aew, a local village council leader, confirmed that hotel staff reported the incident. “They may have been guests of Mai Khao Palm Beach Resort and went swimming in the early morning when there was no lifeguard on duty. A red flag was clearly displayed,” he stated.
This marks the second drowning of an American citizen in Phuket within two weeks. On June 18, James Everett du Bois, a 49-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was swept out to sea while attempting to rescue his toddler and wife at Nai Harn Beach. His wife managed to swim back, and their child was saved by lifeguards, but du Bois was tragically carried away by the powerful waves.
The incidents occurred as Thailand and neighboring Southeast Asian countries enter their annual monsoon season, characterized by heavy rains, strong currents, and turbulent seas. Authorities continue to urge caution and adherence to safety warnings during this period.
