The warning follows bluebottles found at Ao La, Ao Tu and Racha Yai Island.
“Tourists and individuals engaging in marine activities in these areas are urged to exercise caution,” the DMCR warned.
One boat crewman travelling with Seafarer Divers was stung yesterday and experienced breathing difficulties. The crewman was brought back to Chalong Pier, where an ambulance was waiting for him. He has been hospitalised and is now in stable condition, along with two divers who were also affected, the DMCR reported.
Bluebottles are highly venomous, the DMCR noted. “Contact with these jellyfish can cause intense burning pain and may impact the skin, nervous system, heart and can even be fatal.
If stung, it is crucial to use a hard object to remove the tentacles without direct hand contact. Avoid massaging or applying any medication to the affected area. Instead, pour vinegar over the sting site continuously for at least 30 seconds and never use fresh water, as it can spread the venom faster. Seek medical attention immediately,” the DMCR warning said.
Confirmation of bluebottles follows the marine creatures being found washed ashore in Phuket last weekend.
The Phuket Lifeguard Service warned that bluebottles were found at Karon Beach on Saturday morning, and found at Bang Tao on Saturday afternoon (June 22). By Monday (June 24), they were being found at Mai Khao at the northern end of Phuket’s west coast.
To enhance safety, the DMCR has developed the Marine Warning Application, a tool for monitoring and collecting data on marine disasters such as color changes in seawater, reverse waves, oil spills, and locations of poisonous jellyfish sightings.
This system provides real-time notifications based on incident coordinates within a specified radius. The public can also report emergencies related to marine and coastal disasters, the DMCR added to its report.
Tourists and locals are encouraged to stay informed and take advantage of this resource to ensure their safety while enjoying Phuket’s marine environments.
The application is available for free download on both web and mobile platforms. Download the app from Apple’s App Store (click here) or Google Play (click here).