The two beaches are closed and beach-goers are urged not to enter the water, Park Chief Kitipas Tharapibal confirmed to The Phuket News today (Sept 24).
Park Chief Kitipas issued an urgent warning yesterday (Sept 23) after lifeguards discovered Portuguese man o’ war and box jellyfish washed at Nai Thon, Nai Yang and several other beaches. (See story here).
“Please, don’t play in the water or engage in any water activities at these beaches. Also, please don’t touch creatures found on the sand,” Mr Kitipas said.
“These species are among the most toxic in the world,” he added.
Last year a young German tourist and a Thai national died after suffering box jellyfish stings in Surat Thani. There have not been any recent reports of fatal stings by jellyfish-like Portuguese man o’ war in Thailand, but the venom of these jellyfish-like creatures can also cause severe pain or worse in case of allergic reaction.
The Phuket Lifeguard Club Chief Prathaiyut Chuayuan told The Phuket News that he supports the closure of two beaches within Sirinat National Park
“I think this is a good idea during this time of year,” he said, admitting that tourist safety should be priority.