Body of Dutch tourist found off Phuket

The body of a 27yearold Dutch tourist was found floating in the sea off Phuket's famous Patong Beach yesterday, having sustained a head injury, police said.

A lifeguard reported finding the body of a foreigner, who was later was identified as Stephan Henricus Marina, according to Pol Captain Pathapee Srichai of Kathu district police.

Marina's body was found floating in the sea 70 metres from the shore. The guard said the Dutchman had 720 euros (about Bt30,000) on him when he was found. A small calculator and a package of the medicine Zolam were also found.

Police said Marina appeared to have been struck by solid object on the back of his skull, and estimated that he had been dead for more than an hour.

His body was sent to Patong Hospital for autopsy.