Thailand Orders Box Jellyfish Alert After Teen Dies
A 13-year-old boy died from box jellyfish poisoning at a Nakhon Si Thammarat beach, prompting authorities to issue alerts and intensify public education on jellyfish prevention and proper first-aid procedures including vinegar treatment.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin expressed condolences for the death of a 13-year-old boy from box jellyfish poisoning while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat on August 1, 2025. He ordered the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to coordinate with relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation and intensify public awareness about jellyfish prevention and first aid to prevent recurring incidents and reduce potential harm.
Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, director of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, stated that local agencies are coordinating with provincial health officials, local government organizations, and beach operators to continuously monitor conditions and alert the public and tourists, especially in high-risk areas. Water activities should be suspended if venomous jellyfish are spotted or authorities issue warnings, and people are urged not to touch jellyfish directly and to strictly follow official instructions.
Correct first-aid procedures include: immediately remove the victim from water to prevent drowning, have them lie still, and call emergency medical services at 1669. Pour vinegar continuously on the affected area for at least 30 seconds to inhibit toxin release, then use tweezers to remove any tentacle fragments. If the victim stops breathing or their heart stops, perform CPR immediately while awaiting hospital transport.
Using fresh water, plain water, alcohol, or rubbing, massaging, and scrubbing the wound is strictly prohibited as it triggers the stinging cells to release more toxin, which can be life-threatening. Vinegar inhibits the stinging cells' function but does not relieve pain. The Department has installed vinegar stations with first-aid instructions at public beaches in high-risk areas and educated tourism operators ahead of jellyfish season. The public can access situation updates and jellyfish information through the Marine Warning system at warning.dmcr.go.th and the Marine Warning mobile application.
