The body of a missing 22-year-old Russian swimmer hit by a Pattaya speedboat that entered an off-limits zone was found on rocks off Haad Tian on Koh Larn on Wednesday morning. His friend also died after being hit by the speedboat.
Enrike Rakhman and his 20-year-old Thai girlfriend were swimming off the beach on Monday and were both struck by the speedboat. Haad Tian is off-limits to speedboats.
The young woman, Narada Taichaisong, was found dead soon after, with many deep propeller cuts. Her male companion was missing. Two days of searching had failed to find him.
Rakhman's body was found washed up on rocks by local residents on Wednesday morning.
Police said there were five propeller cuts on his back, shoulder and neck. The young man's body was found about 60 metres from where he was hit by the boat while enjoying the water in a swimmers-only area.
Speedboat driver Thawatchai Chompupuang, 19, was earlier arrested and charged with reckless driving causing death. He told police he did not know his speedboat hit anyone.
Pattaya's deputy mayor said Haad Tian was off limits to speedboats because there were no buoys showing safe and unsafe areas. Haad Tian was a popular beach because of its clear water, he said.
Pattaya authorities would have to speed up installing safety buoys along all beaches, he said.
