Authorities Raise Red Flag Warning After Portuguese Man-of-War Found in Krabi Parks
Thai park authorities raised red flag warnings and swimming bans in affected Krabi areas after Portuguese man-of-war were found at Mu Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi Don.
Thai national park authorities have raised marine tourism safety measures to the highest level after Portuguese man-of-war were found at two national parks in Krabi.
According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, rangers on routine beach patrol at Mu Ko Lanta National Park found specimens washed ashore near Laem Tanot. Park officials then raised red flags and banned swimming in the affected area.
On the same day, rangers from Protection Unit PP.7 at Ko Phi Phi Don, under Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, found more specimens drifting and beaching at Ao Ling and Sam Hat during maritime safety surveys. The park increased surveillance and issued urgent notifications to tour boat operators and visitors.
Jinda Srisupphatphong, director of the Marine National Park Management Division, said the Portuguese man-of-war is among the most venomous marine organisms. It can be identified by a blue or purple gas-filled float, while its tentacles can stretch several meters and remain toxic even after the animal has died or dried on the beach.
Authorities said contact can cause severe burning pain, welts, and damage to the nervous system and cardiac muscle, and may also lead to respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, or death.
Park officials have deployed foot patrols and vessels to clear affected beaches. Visitors have been told not to touch any specimens in the water or on shore and to report sightings immediately to park staff or lifeguards. Beachgoers were also advised to wear footwear and avoid entering water in areas marked with a red flag.
If contact occurs, authorities said people should leave the water immediately and avoid rubbing the affected area because that can rupture venom cells and increase absorption. Rescuers were advised to monitor breathing and heart rate and seek immediate help from park rangers or transfer the patient to a medical facility.
The information was released by the Thai Government PR Department.
