Portuguese man o’ war warning posted at Phuket beaches after Kata Noi sightings
Phuket officials posted warnings at Kata Noi Beach after Portuguese man o’ war were found there on May 28 and again on May 29, with possible sightings also flagged for Nai Harn, Yanui and Racha Island.
Warning signs have been posted at Kata Noi Beach after lifeguards found Portuguese man o’ war there on May 28 and reported additional sightings the following day, prompting officials to urge caution for people entering the sea or walking along the shore.
Kata Noi lifeguard Chaninthon Nareepen said he encountered a Portuguese man o’ war at the beach on Thursday. The warning was then issued for swimmers and other visitors.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources later confirmed the presence of bluebottles, identified as Physalia sp., stranded along Kata Noi Beach after its Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre investigated reports from lifeguards and local monitoring networks.
According to the department, strong winds and waves during the survey likely contributed to the strandings. Officials found bluebottles about two to three centimetres in size scattered along the shoreline at an average density of 0.5 animals per 100 square metres.
No injuries have been reported from the latest sightings.
Authorities warned that Portuguese man o’ war may also be encountered at Nai Harn Beach, Yanui Beach and around Racha Island, and said lifeguards and local monitoring networks had been told to remain vigilant.
The warning comes as Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has directed the department to closely monitor marine hazards that could affect residents and tourists during the southwest monsoon season.
Officials said Portuguese man o’ war are not true jellyfish but colonial marine organisms with long venomous tentacles. Their stings can cause intense burning pain, swelling and skin irritation, while some people may also suffer chest tightness, breathing difficulties or severe allergic reactions. Authorities added that the tentacles can still deliver venom after the animal has died and washed ashore.
The department urged the public not to touch any Portuguese man o’ war found on beaches. Anyone stung should rinse the affected area with seawater, avoid using fresh water and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.
