The warning follows Sirinath National Park Chief Kitipas Tharapibal ordering a ban on water activities at Nai Thon and Nai Yang in Phuket on Saturday after the jellyfish-like stingers were found washed ashore at those popular beaches. (See story here.)
“Our officers conducted inspections in risk areas by speedboat and found Portuguese man o’ war in Maya Bay, at Phi Phi Lei Island,” Phi Phi Chief Park Sarayut Thantian explained in his warning issued today.
“This creature carries dangerous poison and its stings may even cause death. Hence, we warn tourists against any activities in the water at Phi Phi Island, Bamboo Island and Poda Island,” he wrote.
Chief Sarayut noted, “If any person is stung by a Portuguese man o’ war, do not wash the wound with vinegar or freshwater. It must cleaned with saltwater, then get the victim to hospital as quickly as possible.”