Colorful jellyfish are appearing in the waters of Ao Manow in Trat Province, only 100 meters from the shore. The Tourism Authority of Thailand plans to collaborate with local communities to stimulate tourism and the local economy in the area.
On 5 August 2026, at Ao Manow, Mai Rut Subdistrict, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province, Mr. Boonlue Khamwong, a member of the Mai Rut Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO), along with SAO officials and local fishermen, surveyed large numbers of colorful jellyfish—including blue, dark brown, light brown, and milky white—floating in the sea. These jellyfish, both large and small, swam around, attracting many tourists. Usually, these colorful jellyfish appear at the end of the rainy season and the start of the cool season, but this year they arrived earlier due to recent storms in Trat Province and a slight temperature drop.
Mr. Taweechaai Charoenphon, a local fisherman from Mai Rut Subdistrict, took reporters by boat about 100 meters from shore to observe the large groups of colorful jellyfish, both small and large.
Mr. Taweechaai Charoenphon said that jellyfish appear annually along the beaches from Laem Glad Subdistrict to Mai Rut Subdistrict because the coastal waters here are shallow and clear, with calm waves—ideal conditions for observing colorful jellyfish. The best viewing time is in the morning, provided it is not raining, as the jellyfish gather and swim in beautiful patterns. Local fishermen from Mai Rut offer boat tours to see the jellyfish, charging 100 baht per person.
Lieutenant Korakot Opas, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Trat Office, stated that the TAT office is aware of this phenomenon and has prepared to coordinate with the community and Mai Rut SAO to jointly organize jellyfish viewing activities in Mai Rut. Each year, the TAT Trat office collaborates with communities and local government organizations to promote tourism by developing locations and activities to attract visitors. If all goes well, the event is planned for 10-11 August 2026.
“Currently, Khlong Yai District faces ongoing challenges due to conflict that led security forces to close the Hat Lek border crossing, impacting tourism in the district. The appearance of jellyfish at this time is beneficial for stimulating the local economy and helping residents of Khlong Yai. Previously, tourist spots like Tanuek Waterfall, developed by the Khlong Yai SAO, have attracted visitors from both Trat and Chanthaburi provinces. If the colorful jellyfish remain for a longer period, the positive impact will be even greater,” said Lieutenant Korakot.