The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the identity of the body this afternoon.
The 44-year-old nurse had been missing since she went for a swim at the notorious beach on Monday night.
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Family friend Joanne Hancock told The Canberra Times that the family had been notified earlier today."It's a really really big shock, now that the body has been found," she said.
"It's going to be very hard but now we know she's coming home; it's a big relief. With these situations sometimes you don't know if they're ever coming home."
Mrs Hancock described Ms Laidley as a loving and generous person who had devoted her life to her family and her nursing.
"She was a wonderful person," she said.
"She'd always be there for you. She had lots of friends."
Ms Laidley had been travelling with Ms Crosland, who is from Sydney.
Reports have said they were both at the beach on Monday night when Ms Laidley decided to go for a swim at 7.15pm.
Ms Crosland briefly went back to their resort and when she returned to the beach at 7.30pm there was no sign of Ms Laidley.
Ms Crosland told Thai news site Phuketwan.com, ''We went to the beach and noticed warnings signs and that the red flags were flying. After dinner, Jenny decided that she'd like to go for a swim, so I didn't want her to go alone.
"I wear glasses and I didn't take them to the beach with me, so I couldn't see very well. I stayed waist-deep but Jenny wanted to take the plunge and went out a lot further. Then I went back to the resort to get my glasses, and when I came back to the beach I couldn't see Jenny at all."
Ms Crosland reported Ms Laidley missing at 7.45pm, and police immediately began a search. The Royal Thai Navy, Marine Police and lifeguards joined the search from first light on Tuesday.
ACT Health issued a statement regarding Ms Laidley's disappearance.
"ACT Health Directorate recognises that this is a difficult time for work colleagues and are extending full support, counselling, care and assistance to those directly affected by this news,'' it stated.
Karon Beach is one of the more dangerous Phuket beaches and is dotted with signs warning against swimming.
Editor of Phuketwan.com Alan Morison said Karon Beach was known for its dangerous conditions, especially during the April to November monsoon season.
He said nine people had died at Karon Beach between April last year and February this year.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/world/body-on-thai-beach-that-of-aussie-tourist-20110707-1h3xv.html#ixzz1RU67KiK9
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