Swimmers in Hua Hin are being warned about potentially deadly jellyfish that may be present in the waters off the coast.
Hua Hin Municipality issued a warning on Tuesday about the risk to swimmers from jellyfish, including the dangerous box jellyfish.
Mr. Jeerawat Prahmanee, Permanent Secretary of Hua Hin Municipality, said swimmers should only swim inside the dedicated ‘safe zones’ where so-called stinger nets have been erected to keep out the jellyfish.
Mr. Jeerawat said that during the rainy season, heavy rain, strong winds and stormy seas can result in an increase in jellyfish being brought closer to the shore.
Mr. Jeerawat cited the construction of stinger nets in the water next to the Laksasubha Resort in Hua Hin and at Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab, which after a recent inspection were found to be in good condition.
He added that if there has been heavy rain, then people should avoid swimming altogether.
Warning signs and bottles of vinegar have been placed at locations around the beach.
In the event someone is stung by a jellyfish, they are advised to pour vinegar on the sting for 30 seconds and then seek medical attention, Mr. Jeerawat said.
The warning comes after a nine year old Israeli boy died earlier this week after being stung by a box jellyfish while swimming of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province.
The warning could also not have come at a worse time for Hua Hin and has been issued just days before the first weekend of unrestricted domestic travel following the easing of some COVID-19 restrictions.
