Picture: Jürgen Hölzel
Dragonfish (Pterois volitans)
Habitat: In coastal regions, mostly in coral reefs.
Since these fish are not to be found near sandy beaches, swimming is not dangerous at these places. However they can be found near corals and on rocky coastlines. Divers and snorkelers should be especially careful.
This fish is very aggressive. A sting from one of its needles brings immediate and extreme pain, and the infected area will start swelling immediately!
Danger level: Do not try to apply any aid whatsoever but seek medical help immediately!
Picture: Jürgen Hölzel
Rockfish (Synanceia verrucosa)
Habitat: On all rocky coastlines.
These fish are masters of disguise and on and between rocks are practically invisible. This is one of the most venomous animals of the sea. However, they are very rare and relatively shy, so that fatal accidents are more the exception than the rule. After a bite the venomous spreads very quickly and provokes terrible pain and swellings.
Danger level: Do not try to apply any aid whatsoever but seek medical help immediately!
![By Guido Gautsch, Melbourne, Australia [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](../assets/wuerfelqualle_avispa_marina.jpg "By Guido Gautsch, Melbourne, Australia [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons")
Picture: Guido Gautsch, Melbourne, Australia -
Box Jellyfish Avispa marina
The Marine and Coastal Resources Department has warned of box jellyfish attacks after the highly venomous species was found off Koh Phi Phi in Krabi province. The box jellyfish is not common in Thai waters. So far two deaths in Thailand have been attributed to the jellyfish. People swimming in the sea where box jellyfish are present should exercise caution. Box jellyfish are known for their powerful venom, which has caused at least 5,567 recorded deaths since 1954. Vinegar is the best solution to reduce the pain from a jellyfish sting before the victim is sent to hospital. Water should not be used, as this increases the pain. -Bangkok Post-
Box Jellyfish Deaths:
2002 Kho Phangan
2008 Kho Lanta
2014 Kho Phangan
2015 Kho Phangan
2015 Kho Samui
2002 Kho Phangan
2008 Kho Lanta
2014 Kho Phangan
2015 Kho Phangan
2015 Kho Samui
Danger level: Seek medical help immediately!
Snails
Some snails are however unlikely venomous. Fortunately these are only found in deeper waters so there is no danger to swimmers. However since these venomous snails are also very beautiful to look at, the danger to sport divers is not to be neglected. Remember the golden rule, look but do not touch!
Swimmers and beach users will only find these snails washed up onto the beach. If they are still alive do not touch.
If they feel threatened these snails will inject a very strong venomous in your skin through a special organ. This is extremely painful and even deadly (there is no known cure)!
Immediate transportation to the nearest hospital is the only option!
Picture: Jürgen Hölzel
Laticauda colubrina
Distribution area: Phuket
They are venomous but are not aggressive to divers.
Danger level: Immediate transportation to the nearest hospital!
Categories
Venomous animals in Thailand
Spiders
Scorpions
Centipedes
Common snakes in Thailand
Mildly venomous and non-venomous snakes
Venomous snakes
DIY Snake catcher
Snake tongs
Prevention snake bites
First Aid after a snake bite
Emergency telephone numbers
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All data is provided without guarantee!