A jellyfish attack on Koh Phangan island in Surat Thani province that killed a Thai traveller on Friday, the second such death in two years, has prompted new measures to ensure tourist safety.
Chayanan Surin, a 31-year-old woman from Bangkok, was stung and killed by a Box jellyfish while swimming in the ocean during the full moon party on the resort island's Rin beach on Friday night.
The jellyfish stung Chayanan around 8pm when she was in the water with three friends.
She went into shock shortly after and was taken to a clinic on Rin beach.
She died on the way to Phangan hospital, where she was being taken for further treatment.
In a similar case in August last year, a five-year-old French boy died after he was stung by Box jellyfish on Khuad beach in Koh Phangan.
Krirkkrai Songthani, the Koh Phangan district chief, said lifeguards will be deployed along beaches on the island to ensure the safety of tourists and prepare immediate first aid for jellyfish victims.
Beach guards will receive first aid training so they can treat jellyfish stings.
The district chief said he had discussed the jellyfish problem with beachside hotel owners, who are now aware of how to help tourists who are stung.
Victims should rinse the sting with vinegar and also avoid rubbing the area, as it can spread the venom and impair blood circulation, according to Koh Phangan Hospital.
Deaths by poisonous jellyfish stings can be prevented if first aid is applied correctly, Mr Krirkkai said.
During the annual bloom of jellyfish in the rainy season, beachgoers are advised not to go into the water, and watch out for swarms of jellyfish if they do, he said.