While the precise total is a secret known only to Phuket authorities, about 30 tourists and locals are believed to have drowned on Phuket's popular west coast beaches so far this year.
The total exceeds the toll for any recent year. But Public Health officials are no longer making the statistics public. Road toll statistics are also no longer being released for Phuket.
The latest victim - a 55-year-old man - was pulled from the sea opposite the Karon Sports Stadium about 2.30pm this afternoon.
Lifeguards performed cpr on the man on the beach and he was taken by ambulance to Patong Hospital, where he died.
He had been staying alone at the Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa.
Safety of tourists, residents and expats on Phuket's beaches is one of seven points raised by European Union ambassadors when they met mid-year with Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud.
Although the British Government soon after announced its support for a marine safety summit on Phuket with the governor's backing, the original anticipated date of October has passed with no announcement of a schedule.
Meanwhile, more drownings continue to occur.
The new Chinese consul general - who is also known to be concerned about the number of avoidable drownings on Phuket beaches and at day-trip destinations - meets the Governor tomorrow.
Phuketwan has been provided with the name of the Norwegian man but will not publish it until relatives have been informed of his death.
Yet another avoidable death on Phuket. I doubt the situation will improve until tour operators start telling people about the dangers before people book travel to thailand
Posted by Barry on November 14, 2013 22:41