Fatal Koh Phangan Box Jellyfish Sting
A nine-year old boy has died after being stung by a box jellyfish at Haad Rin on the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand. The tragic news filtered through after weeks of warnings from authorities about the heightened seasonal risk to swimmers in the region including Koh Samui, while treating a number of victims for box jellyfish stings. The boy who was with his family, Israeli nationals that have reportedly been living on the island for several years, was swimming outside of a nearby protective jellyfish prevention net on the evening of Saturday 28 August, 2021 when the incident occurred. Matichon, a major Thai-language national daily newspaper, reported that efforts were made on the scene to administer proper first aid, including vinegar, and to revive the boy who was rushed to Phangan International Hospital. Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Mr. Sophon Thongdee, was quoted in Matichon saying, "B ox jellyfish...