Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyedej

Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King  Bhumibol Adulyedej

On 26th October around the country and including Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King  Bhumibol Adulyedej.

The accompanying ceremony on Koh Samui will beheld at Wat Plai Laem on 26th October and will start at 9am. If you like to attend, please do check the dress explained below. 

This dress code was released by the Bureau of the Royal Household for people participating in the Royal Cremation ceremony on 26th October 2017. The dress code is also applicable to people who are going to place funeral wood flowers at royal crematorium replicas, and at other locations where they will be able to offer the wood flowers in Bangkok and other provinces.

This will include Wat Plai Laem or any other official location around Koh Samui in case you plan to pay your respect.

Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King  Bhumibol Adulyedej; A big sign at the entrance gate of Wat PLai Laem has been erected, informing about the time of ceremony on Koh Samui. 26th October 2017 at 9am 

At this moment it looks like the whole nation will come to a grinding halt on 26th October, please act accordingly and show respect to the Thai people. This is a one in a lifetime event, not only for the Thai nation and it's people, but also for anybody visiting or living in Thailand at that moment. Act accordingly.

During the whole month of October, many Thai people will be wearing black or dark colored clothes as a tribute and to show respect for the Late King Bhumibol Adulyedej. 

On most days tourists are not expected to wear dark clothes but on the 26th October it is advisable to wear black or dark clothes and nothing too vibrant.

Most tourist attractions will be closed and the days surrounding the 26th October, most entertainment venues will have toned and tuned down their activities.

Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King  Bhumibol Adulyedej; The expected dress code if you plan to attend a ceremony; Men must wear a black shirt, long black pants and black dress shoes. Denim pants will not be allowed. Women must wear a black blouse that is not tight, a black skirt that extends below the knees and black dress shoes. Wearing a sleeveless blouse or a spaghetti top or similar will not be allowed.

At this moment, on the evening of 29th October, all signs of mourning, including black & white cloth banners and black and white portraits of King Buhimbol should be removed. On 30th October, government officials and members of the public can wear normal attire again.

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two. 

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned. 

If you like to donate to this blog, use this secure link PayPal.Me/CamilleLemmens. 

Camille

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2017

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2017

It's been two years since I visited the Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2017, well, that was rather in 2015! This was the fifth time I was able to visit the event, after 2010, 2012, 2015, 2015 and this year.

If you have been following this blog, you may know that this is an annual event, happening all around the country and on Koh Samui it was last week. Each day of the week sees a different age group parading and participating in sport events.

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2017; The start of the parade for Plai Laem school

We were lucky enough that our two eldest children, were scheduled for the same day and our youngest doesn't have to participate. Yet! At least, that's how I see it. My wife may have a slightly different view on this event. If she would have the time, she would happily visit two or three days out of the five days the event is on!

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2017; The flags are waving

It can get hot at the Baan Namuang stadium and it can take a while before any action is happening at all, or before one of your children is finally allowed to march in the parade. A lot of waiting is involved. Luckily the weather was kind this year, without too much direct sunshine. The children in all their elaborate clothing may have a hard time staying cool.

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2017; It's a long wait before the action starts

The event is supposed to start at 8am but I still need to see that before I believe it. As usual, each time I visited, parking wasn't an easy option. The rather big parking lot near the stadium was packed to the rafters with motorbikes and cars. We did get our parking spot though and it was an enjoyable event this year. Partly due to the weather not being too hot and sunny!

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2017; More waiting is in place

Our oldest daughter had to sit on one of the stands and 'cheer', which none of the other kids, including our daughter, seemed to enjoy too much. There's no escaping though, participation is mandatory. Either in a sports event, like jumping, running and many other athletic disciplines or............. cheering and sitting at the stands all day long. Since our oldest daughter isn't too keen on the sports part, the stands it was. 

Our son was the bearer of a shield with the schools name on it, so he didn't have to sit on the stands. A 'political' choice, I suspect!

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2017; Back in black! Many groups were wearing black clothing, a hint to the passing away of HM King Bhumibol, less than a year ago? His picture was carried around much more than the current King X.

All in all, it was a pleasant event this year. WE could squeeze out for an hour or so, to enjoy a great lunch at Sweet Sisters Cafe, around the corner, before we went back and picked up our oldest daughter, who completed her stand duty shortly after 4pm.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit one of these events around the country, don't hesitate to do so. It's something different and you will be drenched in Thai culture, guaranteed off the beaten track!

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two. 

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned. 

If you like to donate to this blog, use this secure link PayPal.Me/CamilleLemmens. 

Camille

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit 83rd birthday

Today is Her Majesty Queen Sirikit 83rd birthday.

Sirikit (สิริกิติ์), born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara (สิริกิติ์ กิติยากร) on 12 August 1932, is the queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand. She met Bhumibol in Paris, where her father was the Thai ambassador. They married in 1950, shortly before Bhumibol's coronation. Sirikit was appointed Queen Regent in 1956. Sirikit and Bhumibol have four children, one son and three daughters. As the consort of the king who is the world's longest-reigning head of state, she is also the world's longest-serving consort of a monarch. Sirikit suffered a stroke on 21 July 2012 and has since refrained from public appearances.

All around the country, in front of government buildings and public service offices but also shopping malls and the like, you can find pictures and similar honorary set ups to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit 83rd birthday

In Thailand, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit birthday is also celebrated as Mother's Day. These two days coincide in Thailand.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2015

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2015

Today is already the first day of the Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2015. Tuesday the Anuban, the young kids aged four to seven had their day of showing off their skills and yesterday the first of three days for the 7 and older had their moments of glory!

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2015; A drum band in Navy style uniforms, waiting and doing their hair

Our oldest two children participate each year, although I don't always have time to go and see the event, due to work commitments. By now it's about my sixth Kila Amphur that I visit. It's held all over the country but each province may have different dates when it's organized.

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2015; Always showing the love for Thailand

Each year it's an early start for the make up to be put on, the hair to be styled and uniforms to be fitted. This year the alarm was set at 2am. By 7am we left the house just to get stuck in the yearly traffic jam but we were all ready to 'rock & roll' shortly after 8am.

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2015; Time to call Saul, whiplash victims are visiting the Kila Amphur. Sometimes the teachers come up with some very strange clothing styles, these girls necks were covered in white neck bands, almost making it look like they were whiplash victims

Our children were in slot seven of all schools, which is still good and means an early start and almost as important, a fairly early time to go back home again, around noon.

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2015; The Stasi (former East German secret police) was also there; A teacher, completely covered up for sun protection.

It was fun and due the unexpected sunny skies, it was hot! Plenty of schools lined up their best dresses and acts, and the acts mean the drum major shows. Our eldest daughter was in a combined 'pact' of three schools, her own Bophud school, together with the Plai Laem and Bang Rak schools.

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2015; Really, and what is this supposed to be?

After yesterdays parade, the 'games' started. Sporting events were scheduled for yesterday afternoon, today and tomorrow, mainly consisting of athletic competitions like track running, jumping and the like.

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2015; Part of the parade ground

Hope you enjoyed this blog, you can check older versions from 2010, 2012 or 2014 by clicking on the links.

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two.

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned.

If you like to donate to this blog, use this secure link PayPal.Me/CamilleLemmens.

Camille

Updated 22nd July 2017

Population statistics for Koh Samui in 2014

The Population statistics for Koh Samui in 2014 have been published but they're not really telling you how many people actually live on Koh Samui;

District                   Man       Woman          Sum           Homes

Samui Surat         30,941   32,651         63,592          45,151

1 Angthong            6,024      6,004         12,028           5,503

2 Lipa Noi              2,479      2,660           5,139           2,577

3 Taling Ngam       2,827      3,044           5,871           2,765

4 Namuang            2,409      2,528          4,937            2,605

5 Maret                  4,146      4,663          8,809            7,382

6 Bophut                8,947      9,376        18,323          17,586

7 Maenam             4,109      4,376          8,485            6,733

The amount of homes is based on the actual amount of 'Tabian baan's' (house registration papers) being issued. This is fairly accurate. 

How ever, on the amount of actual people living on the island, the following are emitted or just not included in this statistic;

• Thais who have their house registration somewhere else in the country
• Migrant workers (Burmese, Lao, etc...)
• Foreigners on "long term" visas  (Retirement, Non-O)
• Foreigners on short term visa who regularly run to the border
• Tourists

Koh Samui aerial picture

Especially the numbers for category two and three are very easy to include, since these two groups are registered.

Interesting stats but they don't tell us how many people actually live on the island.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday

Today marks Her Majesty Queen Sirikit birthday. Sirikit (Thai: สิริกิติ์; Thai pronunciation: [sìrìkìt]; born 12 August 1932 as Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara (Thai: สิริกิติ์ กิติยากร), is the queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand. 

After a stroke she suffered on 21 July 2012, she has since refrained from public appearances.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, public displays like this can be found all over Thailand

Queen Sirikit's birthday, as is the king's, is a national holiday, and is also Mothers' Day in Thailand

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2014

Yesterday saw this years version of the Kila Amphur on Koh Samui, After reports in 2009, 2010 and 2012, here's the low down for this year.

Drum majors getting ready for their parade

Last year our eldest daughter participated in the running event, this year she switched back to a more 'girly' activity and became a drum major.

Filed workers waiting for their turn

They were the first school to start the parade, which suited me just fine. My wife came down by car with a load of children, all dressed up for their parade. This years alarm went off at 2am!

Walking candy wrappers?

Since I still had lots of things to prepare for my departure to South Korea later today, I went by motorbike, which allowed to make an early exit back home. A wise move, the rest of the family didn't get back until 4pm!

The flag is always there, patriotism is big during these kind of events

Our son marched also in the parade, with his fellow classmates, depicting various ASEAN countries, he had been given a Thai traditional dress.

The actual kila, during this years event

It was fairly sunny and hot and a long day was lying ahead for everyone involved. The food and drunks vendors did good bunines during this week.

Waiting, it's going to be a long day

It's a big event, held ll over country during this time of year, not necessarily during the same week or weekends. A lot of practice time precedes every year the actual event and classes come virtually to a stand still, in order to practice the various moves, dances etc that are part of the event.

The music equipment is quite heavy and can easily be parked

Each school presents their moves in front of the local 'powers that are' and the parade just moves on very slowly. Everybody who had already completed their part, has to wait in the middle of the sports ground, where it can become very hot indeed.

The wait, you don't get to walk everyday on high heels

As in previous years, it was great to see my children in action, but after a short while I was also grateful and happy that I could leave again. Making pictures during the event is always fun though!

Busy roads around the sports park, loaded with parked cars, motorbikes and food stalls

Hope you enjoy this insight in local life in Thailand, more to come next year!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Thailand has the worst the worst traffic safety record of any major country in the world .

The string of bad and shocking news coming from Thailand recently just doesn't seem to stop.

A recent global study has revealed another world record was achieved by Thailand last year. Thailand has the worst traffic safety record of any major country in the world, as reported by the Bangkok Post today.
What is really shocking is the knowledge that those numbers are way off, the situation is worse than reported. If a person involved in an accident dies at a later time, like in a hospital, they are not counted.

A motorbike accident last week on Koh Samui, causing a one hour traffic jam to both ends of the road, luckily nobody died in this accident

Having just written about road safety in Thailand, this article doesn't come as a big surprise but it's shocking nonetheless!

Having lived now on Koh Samui for almost 14 years, the first couple of years I didn't see any accidents, let alone bodies, although I heard many (sometimes grueling stories) but the last couple of years I've seen an increase in road accidents, seen bodies and hear the ambulances almost on a daily base passing our house. Even in front of our house, a few meters to the left in a slight curve, a few people have died this year and in previous years.

It's bloody dangerous out there and Samui, Pattaya and Phuket rank among the more dangerous places in the country.

Unconfirmed (but fairly reliable) sources say that on Samui twice as many people die per year in road accidents compared to the Netherlands. That's just on Samui!

To top this off, I have a handful acquaintances and friends that died in road accidents over the span of those 14 years, let alone the amount of people that I personally know that had serious accidents.

Be careful out there when you decide to participate in Thai traffic: use common sense and don't try to manage or learn how to ride a bike in Thailand and drive defensively!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Blocking of Krabi video considered, the video the Thai tourism ministry doesn't want you to see

Things start to get out of control seemingly over the video made by a Dutch father after his 19 year old daughter got raped in Krabi 27th July, see my post from yesterday titled Evil man of Krabi.

"It is possible to block from viewing in Thailand a YouTube video clip produced by the father of a Dutch girl who was reportedly raped in Krabi", permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry Suwat Sitthilor said yesterday.

The father was possibly furious due to a misunderstanding. He went on to say that the authorities would try to help the girl's father understand the situation in order to "rebuild the country's image". 

The Dutch father of the raped girl

In addition, a video clip promoting Thailand as a tourism destination will be produced and distributed among ambassadors of many countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, UK and China, he added. 

"I am now consulting with the Information and Communications Technology Ministry about the possibility of blocking the video from being viewed in Thailand," he added.

To make things worse, the Tourism Minister goes on file for stating the following, it can only be  hoped for him that he was misquoted;

Tourism Minister Chumphol Silapa-archa had said earlier that the incident could not be considered rape. He quoted provincial tourism police chief, Pol Maj-General Loi Ingkhaphairoj as saying: "The woman had dinner with the Thai suspect and a foreign man. Later, she told the foreign man to return to the hotel before heading off with the suspect." 

Click on the following link for the whole article

If the video will be banned from viewing in Thailand, only more people outside of Thailand, who will still be able to see the video, will become aware of the issue at hand and the Tourism Minister is getting exactly what he's trying to avoid, lots of publicity around the video.

Instead of trying to look at what the underlying problem is, now in typical Thai style it is tried to brush the problem under the carpet so nobody can see it. At least not in Thailand!

Since this news was released, the views on the video have increased and many people outside of Thailand who weren't aware of the case have already taken notice. Let's hope word does spread!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit 80th birthday

Happy Birthday to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit

Queen Sirikit of Thailand (Thai pronunciation: [sìríkìt], Thai: สิริกิติ์; Literally: "Her Majesty Queen Regent Sirikit"; born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara on 12 August 1932), is the queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand. She is the second Queen Regent of Thailand (the first Queen Regent was Queen Saovabha Bongsri of Siam, later Queen Sri Patcharindra, the queen mother). As the consort of the king who is the world's longest-reigning head of state, she is also the world's longest-serving consort of a monarch, though Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, more than eleven years her senior, is the oldest currently-serving consort.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit

It's also Nation wide Mother's Day in Thailand, this always coincides with Her Majesty's birth day.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th August, 2012

Today's weather;

Back home on Koh Samui again and it was good to sleep in my own bed again! The weather hasn't changed much since I got back yesterday, it's still sunny and a blue sky is all around. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Today is the 80th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand. This also makes today National Mother's Day around Thailand.

Seemingly the biggest since I got back, a tar road in front of our house

Yesterday saw a few cloud formations hanging over the island but it was hot and remained dry. Max temp reached 32.4C

Besides a bit of increase in wind, the forecast shows mainly more blue skies for the next 7 days!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camillee

Asanha Bucha Day

Today is Asanha Bucha day, a big Buddhist holiday.

The Buddhist Holy Day of Asalaha Bucha falls on the 15th night (15 kham) of the full moon during the eighth month of the Buddhist Lunar calendar.

Asalaha Bucha Day is worshipped because of three important events occurring on the day. Called the “Triple Gem” (the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), these commemorate the first sermon given by the Buddha, called the “Dharmachakapavattama Sutta” concerning the “Four Noble Truths” presented to the Buddha’s first five disciples. The sermon set in motion the “Wheel of Dharma”, which is the meaning of “Dharmachaka”.

The sermon concluded that: 1. All things are a source of suffering from the constant cycle of birth, disease, old age and death. 2. Desire or the inability to obtain what one desires is the cause of suffering resulting from cause and effect. 3. Freedom from suffering can be obtained after the complete cessation of desire. 4. The last of the Four Noble Truths is the “Middle Way”, or the path between extremes of asceticism and indulgence leading to the eliminating of desire. The Eight-Fold Path consists of possessing the correct: Views, Resolve, Speech, Conduct, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, and Meditation.

Secondly, the day is considered to be the birth of Buddhism, as the Buddha departed the location where he gained his enlightenment two months earlier and then, coming to a forested area in the city of Pharansi, he showed favour to five ascetics who became his followers.

The third of the Triple Gems is the Sangha. On this same day, the first person listened to the Buddha’s sermon, realising the truths contained therein and becoming the first Buddhist monk. This created the Buddhist order “Sangha” and the day is known as “Sangha Day” as well as Ahsala Bucha Day.

The Thai government established the observance of Asalaha Bucha Day in 1958. Buddhist temples throughout the Kingdom arrange ceremonies venerating the important historic events in the past. Devout Buddhists participate in the ceremonies by presenting offerings to monks, listening to sermons and performing ritual prayers.

The entire day is revered and certain precepts are adhered to by the more devout Buddhist, and by those who have the inclination and opportunity to do so. The Wientian ritual ceremony is performed in the evening as many go to nearby temples bringing candles, flowers and joss sticks, completing three trips walking around the temple area sacred grounds.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Kila Amphur Koh Samui 2012

Last year's Kila Amphur I missed due to work outside of Thailand but this year I was on the ball again! After a very early wake up call for our daughter at 3am, by 5.30am my alarm went off and by 7am we were well on our way to this years event.

In front of the main stand

The Kila Amphur sees all schools around the island participate in parades and sport event and stretches over several days. The parades for the 'kinder garden' schools started two days ago and Saturday is the final sports day.

The wheel of life is being carried around by one school

A very popular topic was the ASEAN theme this year and many schools opted for their students being dressed up with local clothes form ASEAN countries.

Pretty in pink

More schools opted for the more traditional Kila dress up, which includes 'drum major' and marching bands or depicting local folklore. See some drum major girls above. The variety in quality of dress up from school to school varies wildly. The above pictured dresses were among the top quality mark, at least in my opinion.

Old style Thai dress

Once you're on the field though, the long wait starts, school after school marches on to the ground and in front of the main stands, where a jury is positioned, all drum major groups give a performance, so it easily and quickly becomes a long day and long wait. On top of that it's either very hot or like this year, very clouded and when I had enough of the hanging around and ordered my clan back into the car, on our way home, it started to drizzle.

A marching band in scuba colors

Although we're in Thailand and food is widely available, it hardly raises over the junk food thresh hold and that wears thin after a while. All in all, I'm glad I went and saw my daughter parade on behalf of her school but it was high time to leave before noon. After a couple of hours being pounded by the same drum beat from various marching bands, a nice nap at home was something to look forward to!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Box jelly fish on Koh Samui and the rest of Thailand

Yes, there is box jelly fish on Koh Samui and the rest of Thailand, unfortunately it's true, there's box jelly fish around Samui and the Gulf of Thailand and all of it's islands but also the Andaman Sea has it's share of box jelly fish related problems.

Now to immediately calm everybody down, it's not an epidemic and chances for getting stung by a box jelly fish in Thai waters are rather small. However, it's better to be aware and prepared than to be totally unaware of what can happen and a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. Your first line of defense starts with a stinger or body suit but once you're stung, use vinegar on the wound.

I've written fairly extensively about box jelly fish in Thai waters on my dive blog, please have a look here. Actually, this particular post makes up for the most viewed post on my dive blog and gets around 7% of all page views. You can also check the box jelly fish tag or label and see all articles I'e written about this topic.

25th May 2012, Bophud beach, an American female tourist is stung by box jelly fish on her leg

The doctors at the local hospital did not identify the sting as a box jelly fish, but over the next 3 weeks the skin on her leg died. Upon returning to the USA, doctors identified the third degree burn as a box jellyfish burn.

I am going for a second surgery this Thursday to finish sewing up my leg. The sting went all the way through the fat tissue and the original stitches and wide 9 cm burn did not close.

As the lady describes; I have been stung by mild jellyfish so I knew what the burning was. I felt the burning continue so I rolled over in the water spastically to get the jellyfish off me. I swam back to shore. When I got to shore, my leg felt like it was on fire and the pain was not subsiding. This local Thai lady brought me over to a plant and started to crush the plant leaves to extract the juice, she mixed the leaves with fresh water. I think it might have helped but the pain was still intense. (Note; this turned out to be morning glory and has no positive effect at all on the wound but vinegar does, more on vinegar later)

Chironex type box jelly fish photographed at Chaweng Beach in 2003 by Sakanan Plathong

Over the years various sightings have been reported around Thailand. More specifically sightings have been confirmed around the Samui peninsula (at Sail Rock and Chumpon Pinnnacle among others) and I have personally shot pictures of a Morbakka near Pattaya and during a dive in 2003 one of my IDC students got stung by a box jelly fish. To this date he still has the marks from that sting.

According to a friend of mine runs the Thailand box jelly fish blog states; Research into box jellyfish in Thailand is sort of but not really happening - there is awareness and acknowledgement in scientific circles, there is commitment but there is little money and minimal action. Still, there is slow forward momentum especially at a medical level though there's a long way to go. No clear picture has developed as to habitat and habits. The Australian experience is invaluable but the situation is different. It took many years for action to occur in Australia also, there was a lot of misinformation, resistance and apathy.

Box jellyfish do swim, not float, and while influenced by conditions they have a visual system that can help them navigate around obstacles such as rocks and human legs. There are different types of box jellyfish known in Thailand including the lethal Chironex, Irukandji and Morbakka.

Morbakka, picture taken by me in 2010 in the Gulf of Thailand, a few hours sailing away from Pattaya

On a positive note, the small island of Koh Mak is leading the way and has now vinegar stations installed around it's beaches. Well done and hats off to Koh Mak!

A project I tried to install Koh Samui as well but unfortunately it stranded literally in the sand! I hope that many GM's of hotels around the island and people in the local Samui government read this post and although I understand that stating that box jelly fish exist is maybe difficult to 'admit', with just a little bit of prevention and knowledge many potential future box jelly fish victims can be helped efficiently and maybe we can safe some lives.

I have many dreams but one of them is to have vinegar stations around Koh Samui beaches!

Box jelly fish treatment flow chart

IN CASE OF A BOX JELLYFISH STING:

1. Begin CPR if required and call for medical assistance

2. Immediately pour vinegar over sting area for at least 30 seconds

3. After using the vinegar, place cold packs or ice on the wound to ease the pain and reduce skin damage

4. Seek medical attention

OTHER JELLYFISH SPECIES:

Bluebottle (with single main tentacle)- Remove tentacles, immerse sting area in hot water or apply cold pack*, do NOT use vinegar

All others - Remove tentacles, apply cold pack to sting area

the morning glory plant found along the coast throughout the tropics is at best a mild analgesic and not recommended.

once the vinegar has done its job and the threat of envenomation ceased, the pain can last a few hours and can be managed locally with ice packs.

once the pain has subsided there is a risk of infection so the sting should be treated much like a burn.

depending on the approach you want to take, cortisone based cream, vitamin e cream, calendula, pawpaw etc could all be good in keeping the wound clean, avoiding secondary infection and aiding healing of the scarring.

The vinegar will not stop the the venom already in the wound but will immobilize any other stingers and prevent them from discharging. Try to rub the remaining tentacles off your body with a credit card like object, not with your fingers!

Last month a surfer was stung by a box jellyfish at Laem Pakarang, Khao Lak. A classic Irukandji Syndrome symptoms endured over 3 days. The victim has fully recovered.

Any reports from box jelly fish sightings in Thailand or the South East Asian region can be reported to DAN Asia Pacific who are keen to collect information about these stings in Thailand. Please contact John Lippmann through their website.

With this information in mind, it may be useful to follow the link below on the stinger suit picture and check out some stinger suit options for children.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Coyote dancing as redemption?

Thailand has many different believes and spiritual and cultural differences compared to the West. Here's an interesting sample, from a Buddhist shrine in Bangkok.

Many Thais believe that when a god or spirit makes a wish come true, they must redeem the vow made when they asked for it to be granted. One extreme example of this belief can be witnessed at Baan Jujaka in Bangkok. Here, thousands of Jujaka statues, a greedy old Brahmin who lived as a beggar in Buddhist legend, are worshiped. Visitors to Baan Jujaka usually redeem their vow by offering coyote dancing – a provocative dance with sexually explicit moves – to the beggar spirit. Video by Jetjaras Na Ranong.

After this video, as posted in the Thaipadmag of the Bangkok Post, I can see hordes of guys going to visit this shrine to get a glimpse of the dancing.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille