NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Thailand – The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has increased monitoring and public safety measures following the death of a 13-year-old boy after he came into contact with a box jellyfish while swimming at a beach in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin extended his condolences to the boy’s family and directed the DMCR to increase monitoring, issue timely warnings, and expand public awareness of jellyfish safety and first aid. DMCR Director-General Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi said regional offices have been instructed to work with provincial authorities, public health agencies, local administrative organizations, and beach operators. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid entering the water when venomous jellyfish are sighted, or official warnings are in effect.
Anyone stung by a jellyfish should leave the water immediately, keep still as much as possible, call the emergency medical hotline 1669, and pour vinegar over the affected area for at least 30 seconds before carefully removing any remaining tentacles. Officials warned against using fresh water, alcohol, or rubbing the affected area, as these actions may trigger additional venom release.
Vinegar stations equipped with first-aid instructions have been installed at many high-risk beaches, while tourism operators continue receiving emergency response training during periods when venomous jellyfish are more likely to appear. Residents and visitors can check the latest warnings and high-risk areas through the Marine Warning website at warning.dmcr.go.th or the Marine Warning mobile application. (NNT)
