A foreign tourist suffered a severe allergic reaction after being stung by a Portuguese man o' war on Naithon beach in Phuket.
A foreign tourist was hospitalised after being stung by a Portuguese man o' war on Naithon beach, in the Thalang district of Phuket. Lifeguards quickly intervened to provide first aid before transferring him to hospital.
The incident was reported on 9 September by the Facebook page Phuket Times, which published images taken on Naithon beach in the Sakhu sub-district. The photographs show the marine creature placed in a container, along with visible marks on the victim’s leg.
Lifeguards warned swimmers, both Thai and foreign, about the risks associated with these marine creatures. They recommend avoiding any direct contact and alerting the authorities immediately if a Portuguese man o' war or other venomous animal is spotted.
According to San Paolo Hua Hin Hospital: “The remaining tentacles should be removed using a rigid object, such as a card or a stick, without touching them directly with the hands.”
The affected area should neither be rubbed nor massaged, and no medication should be applied directly to it. The hospital advises that seawater should be used to rinse the wound, while fresh water should be avoided as it can worsen the venom discharge.
In cases of significant pain, an anaesthetic spray may be used. Alternatively, the gentle application of ice is recommended. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, such as breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness, should be taken to hospital without delay.