Short answer
A foreign tourist was taken to hospital with a severe allergic reaction after a Portuguese man o' war sting at Nai Thon Beach in Phuket, Thaiger reported on 9 September 2026. Lifeguards had found the creature on Kata Noi beach on 29 May and warned of sightings elsewhere in Phuket, and on 11 June Mu Ko Lanta National Park closed three tourist spots in Krabi for the same reason. Officials say not to touch the creature, even when it is dead on the sand.
A sting at Nai Thon Beach, reported on 9 September
Thaiger reported on 9 September 2026 that a foreign tourist suffered a severe allergic reaction after being stung by a Portuguese man o' war at Nai Thon Beach in Thalang district, Phuket. Lifeguards gave first aid and the tourist was taken to hospital. Images from the beach, shared by the Phuket Times page, showed the creature in a container and marks on the tourist's leg.
The lifeguards warned Thai and foreign visitors to be careful when entering the sea, and to alert lifeguards if they see a man o' war or another venomous animal.
Warnings in May and a closure in June
The Nation reported on 29 May that lifeguards at Kata Noi found a Portuguese man o' war washed ashore, with further sightings reported at Nai Harn, Ya Nui and Racha Island. Officials put up warning signs along beaches. The Nation described the venom as capable of causing intense burning pain and, in some cases, being life-threatening.
In Krabi, Mu Ko Lanta National Park chief Pramote Kaewnam said on 10 June that the park would close three spots from 11 June: the park office area at Laem Tanod, Koh Tung Gulima (Koh Ha) and Koh Ngai. Thaiger reported that the spots would reopen only when the situation was considered safe, and we did not find a reopening date.
What officials and a hospital advise
All three reports give the same first rule: do not touch it. The park said the tentacles can release venom even after the animal has died or washed ashore, and told visitors not to pick it up for photos. It advised wearing shoes on beaches and avoiding the rocky beach where many had been found.
On treatment, Thaiger quoted San Paolo Hua Hin Hospital: remove remaining tentacles with a card, paper or stick without touching them, do not rub the area, rinse with seawater rather than fresh water, and go to hospital at once if breathing is difficult or the person loses consciousness. The Nation also advised rinsing with seawater and seeking treatment quickly. This is not medical advice; ask a lifeguard or doctor.
What it means for a swimming day on a boat tour
Our Phi Phi and Maya Bay speedboat tour includes mask, snorkel and life jacket, with swimming stops at Bamboo Island and Pileh Lagoon. We have no report of a man o' war on those stops, but the same warnings apply on any beach: do not touch anything washed up, and tell the guide at once.
The hospital quoted by Thaiger said jellyfish are more common in the rainy season. If you are unsure about a day, ask us on WhatsApp and we tell you what we know before you pay.
Practical checklist
- Do not touch a Portuguese man o' war on the sand or in the water, even if it looks dead.
- Tell a lifeguard or your guide at once if you see one.
- Wear shoes on beaches where warning signs are posted.
- Rinse a sting with seawater, not fresh water, and get medical help fast if breathing is difficult.
- Ask us about swimming stops on your boat tour date if you are worried.
Questions and answers
What is a Portuguese man o' war?
The Nation describes it as a highly venomous marine animal that resembles a jellyfish, with long tentacles that can release venom even when dead. Contact can cause burning pain, rashes, nausea, breathing difficulty or loss of consciousness.
Where were they found in 2026?
Lifeguards found one at Kata Noi on 29 May and reported sightings at Nai Harn, Ya Nui and Racha Island. A tourist was stung at Nai Thon on 9 September, and Mu Ko Lanta National Park closed three spots in Krabi on 11 June.
What should I do if I am stung?
A hospital quoted by Thaiger advises removing tentacles with a card or stick without touching them, not rubbing, rinsing with seawater and not fresh water, and going to hospital if breathing is difficult. This is not medical advice.
Is it safe to swim on a Phi Phi tour?
We have no report of a man o' war at the stops on our Phi Phi tour. Officials advise not to touch anything washed up and to tell a lifeguard or guide. Ask us about your date if you are unsure.