The body of a 28-year-old American tourist who disappeared off the coast of Phuket on 8 June 2025 was recovered on 12 June after an extensive five-day search by Thai rescue teams.
Thai rescue officials located the body of Mr. Johnson, a 28-year-old American tourist, on the afternoon of 12 June 2025. His remains were discovered caught under coastal vegetation on Koh Raet, approximately 5.6 kilometers from the area where he was last seen.
Johnson vanished in the early hours of 8 June while vacationing with his family aboard a private yacht anchored off Yamu Beach in Pa Klok subdistrict, Thalang district. CCTV footage viewed by the yacht’s crew shows Johnson leaving his cabin around 2–3 a.m. and sitting briefly on an inflatable boat attached to the vessel’s stern. He entered the water twice—returning to the boat after the first jump but disappearing after the second. His absence was noted when he did not appear for breakfast at 7 a.m.
A marine search and rescue center was quickly established at the local pier pavilion under the direction of Pa Klok Municipality Mayor Panya Samphaurat. Search operations included jet ski patrols across Pa Klok Bay, coastal sweeps from Yamu Bay to Bang Rong Cape, and coordination with local fishing vessels and marine authorities. Notices were issued to boat operators traveling between Bang Rong, Yao Yai Island, Yao Noi Island, and Phang Nga Bay.
Johnson’s body was recovered at approximately 2 p.m. on 12 June. Authorities transported the remains to shore for a post-mortem examination and notified the U.S. Embassy. Officials stated that legal procedures would be conducted according to established protocols in cases involving foreign nationals.
