PHANG NGA – Three foreign tourists—a South Korean snorkeler, a British national, and a Russian visitor—have died in separate water-related incidents in southern Thailand over three consecutive days, raising renewed concerns over tourist safety in popular coastal destinations.

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The first incident occurred on the morning of November 28 in Phang Nga’s Similan Islands. South Korean tourist Mr. Lee, 65, lost consciousness while snorkeling near Island No. 9. Despite wearing a life jacket, he was found floating face down by park rangers, who performed CPR and transported him by boat to Ko Miang. He was later taken to Khuk Khak Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 14:56. Doctors noted Mr. Lee had a history of heart disease, and his body was sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full autopsy. The South Korean Embassy has been contacted to assist his family.

On November 29, 37-year-old British tourist Jason Mark Lambert from Ipswich drowned while swimming off Freedom Beach in Phuket’s Patong area. He had entered the water with his wife around 10:00 before disappearing beneath the surface. Lifeguards pulled him ashore and administered CPR, but he was later pronounced dead at Patong Hospital. Police reported no signs of foul play. Lambert had been staying at a Patong hotel since November 19 with his family.

A South Korean man snorkeling in the Similan Islands and a British tourist swimming off Phuket died in separate incidents this week. #RIP #similanislands #phangnga #freedombeachphuket #phuket #thailand https://t.co/UUi0a7Wdfk

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) November 30, 2025

The following day, on November 30, 69-year-old Russian tourist Sergey drowned off Patong Beach. His companion, Natalia, 47, stated that Sergey swam regularly each morning during their vacation and suggested strong currents or a sudden health issue may have led to the incident. Despite immediate CPR efforts by rescuers, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Patong Hospital.

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Authorities have reiterated calls for tourists to exercise caution in the water, adhere to local safety advisories, and respect lifeguard warnings. Investigations into each incident are ongoing to identify any contributing factors.

-Thailand News (TN)