The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment orders monitoring of the situation. "Starfish-Salp" stranding at Karon Beach, Phuket Province. The "Marine Department" conducts field inspections and confirms sea water quality is normal.
On 12 Nov 2026, Mr. Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasized the importance of monitoring marine and coastal resources. He instructed the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to urgently investigate the case of numerous starfish and jellyfish-like creatures stranded at Karon Beach, Phuket Province, to understand the causes and use the information for proper marine resource management, assess the situation, and provide accurate information to the public and tourists.
Mr. Phedet Laithong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Acting Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, ordered the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 10 (MCR Office 10) together with the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (UAMCRC) to inspect Karon Beach, Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province, after reports of numerous starfish and jellyfish-like marine animals stranded. Local inquiries revealed these creatures were stranded along a stretch of no less than 1 kilometer, with most already washed back into the sea by waves.
Upon examination and species identification by experts, the animals were found to be sun stars (Luidia maculata), averaging 20–30 centimeters in size, typically living on sandy seabeds near coral reefs and coastal areas, with a density of about 0.5 individuals per square meter, and salps (Salp), pelagic marine animals drifting in the water column, with a density of about 15 individuals per square meter. Neither species is considered dangerously toxic to humans. However, direct contact with salps should be avoided as it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Preliminary sea water quality tests showed normal levels, with salinity at 32 ppt, temperature at 29.6 degrees Celsius, pH at 7.95, and dissolved oxygen at 6.6 mg/L. The sky was clear and winds were fairly strong during the survey. It is initially presumed that strong currents and winds caused the starfish and salps to be driven ashore.
Meanwhile, UAMCRC staff collected samples of starfish and sea water from the area for further examination and study to determine the exact cause.
Additionally, officials disseminated information about the discovered marine animals and advised local residents and business operators on precautions to prevent misunderstandings and reduce concerns about the situation. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources will continue to monitor the investigation results closely to ensure public safety alongside sustainable marine and coastal resource conservation.