The body of a missing police officer was found on Naithon beach early Sunday morning, after he ignored a swimming ban and drowned on Friday.

Police said a villager found the body of Pol Lt Thapanpapob Awatchananukul on the beach in Thalang district at 6.50am. The body was wearing only underpants and had scrapes believed caused by sand.

Police said CCTV footage showed Thapanpapob, 25, arrived at the beach in his car and entered the water about 6pm on Friday, ignoring the no-swimming signs.

A red flag was raised there because the currents and waves in that area were dangerous. A lifeguard said he tried unsuccessfully to stop the officer swimming there. The lifeguard later saw him calling for help, and then disappearing under a big wave before he could reach him.

Thapanpapob was a deputy inspector at nearby Thai Mueang police station in Phangnga province.