Horror in Thailand as British woman's dead body washes up on beach

A woman has been found dead on a beach in . The 54-year-old washed ashore on a beach on Koh Pangan island, southern Thailand, on Tuesday morning (June 3).

Officers said there were no signs of assault. Her body was taken to the Koh Phangan Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The woman was found on the same island that hosts the notorious Full Moon Party. Police Lieutenant Pongnaphat Somboon of the Koh Phangan Police Station said: "We believe the cause of death was drowning. We will call the British Embassy to notify her relatives."

Authorities said the tourist had been staying at a nearby bungalow for around a month, due to check out on June 11. This is the day after the island's , a famous all-night beach party that takes place on Haad Rin Beach on Koh Pangan every month around the full moon. Each time, several thousand visitors gather on the island's beaches.

However, the event has become a notorious celebration filled with cheap drinks and . With cannabis now legal on the island, magic mushrooms, kratom, methamphetamine and LSD are also widely available.

Police Lieutenant Pongnaphat added: "We do not believe there is anything suspicious, but CCTV images will be checked to ensure that the death was accidental".

Drownings are a recurring safety concern in Thailand, especially in tourist hotspots including Phuket and Pattaya. Strong rip currents, lack of swimming skills and disregarding of warning signs are often the cause.

Last month, an Australian tourist who was reported missing in Phuket was found dead on one of the island's most popular beaches.

Upon arrival, officers from the Karon Police Station found the body amid strong surf conditions. Police said the man was found .