Boy, 13, dies after jellyfish stings

A 13-year-old schoolboy has died after being stung by jellyfish while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Three people who went to help him were also injured by the stings but are now safe and recovering.

Nantaphat, known as New, was a student at Sichon Kunatharn Witthaya School. The fatal incident happened during the evening of 1 August, and was reported on 3 August.

The boy had travelled to the area to take part in a charity football competition raising money for the local community. Afterwards, he entered the sea with friends, around 10 metres from the shore.

Stung while swimming with friends

He was reportedly surrounded by jellyfish and suffered stings to his chest, arms and neck, with wounds over much of his body. He went into shock, lost consciousness and developed frothing at the mouth.

He died while being taken to Sichon Hospital.

A close friend, Nattaphakorn, who helped during the emergency, said he saw three or four jellyfish around the boy before he became unconscious. Other friends and residents who went into the water to assist were stung on their arms and calves.

The jellyfish involved were described by locals as "lightning jellyfish", whose venom was blamed for the death.

First reported jellyfish death in Sichon

The funeral is being held at Wat Pathum Thaikaram in Sichon district, where relatives, including the boy's grandparents, have gathered in grief. Cremation is scheduled for Wednesday, 5 August.

Picture courtesy of Workpoint News

Rohem, the imam of a local community mosque, said this type of jellyfish is normally seen in November, making its appearance in August unusual. He said it was the first case in Sichon district in which someone had died from jellyfish venom.

The incident has alarmed local residents and visitors because, according to the report, no similarly serious event had previously occurred in the area. Local authorities have urged people to take particular care when entering the sea during this period.

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4 August 2026