PHANG NGA, THAILAND – After a rough monsoon, strong waves have washed numerous bubble jellyfish onto the coast; authorities are warning beach visitors at Bang Sak and Ban Nam Khem not to touch the creatures and to act immediately according to recommended first aid measures if stung.
Monsoon washed bubble jellyfish ashore
Rough weather and strong waves from the Andaman Sea have brought a large number of bubble jellyfish to two beaches in Phang Nga. The affected areas are Bang Sak Beach and Ban Nam Khem Beach in the Bang Muang sub-district of Takua Pa district, where the jellyfish have been driven ashore and into coastal waters.
Who needs to be especially careful now
Suriya Sonsoem, Director of the Department of Coastal Resources Protection, advises residents, tourists, and parents to exercise heightened caution when visiting the beach. Anyone spotting blue-violet, gelatinous objects in the sand or water should neither touch nor step on them and should inform beach officials or local authorities.
First aid: Vinegar, not freshwater
Officials recommend rinsing an affected area immediately with vinegar for at least 30 seconds. Freshwater must not be used because it can stimulate remaining stinging cells to release more venom; rubbing, scratching, or covering with sand is also prohibited.
Immediately seek emergency help for severe symptoms
Contact with the jellyfish can immediately cause severe pain, skin irritation, and burn-like marks. In case of signs of a severe allergic reaction such as chest tightness, breathing difficulties, respiratory failure, shock, unconsciousness, or death, emergency medical help should be called immediately.
What are bubble jellyfish
Bubble jellyfish belong to the group of Hydrozoa; they are not true jellyfish and float on the sea surface thanks to a gas-filled blue or violet bladder. Long tentacles with venomous stinging cells hang behind the bladder, which can cause the described symptoms upon contact.
Previous sightings in Phuket and ongoing warning
As early as March, authorities reported that venomous box jellyfish were found in high density around Koh Aeo, Phuket, prompting a warning to the public from Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin. Therefore, in Phang Nga, authorities are once again urging caution on the beaches and immediate reporting to beach personnel upon sighting or contact.
Conclusion and call for caution
The bubble jellyfish pose a serious health risk, which is why authorities advise increased vigilance and emphasize that immediate first aid measures and, if necessary, emergency medical assistance are required upon contact.