We love Koh Lipe, but during our last visit, one member of our travel group stepped on a Stonefish just outside the popular resorts on the southern side of Sunrise Beach, near the snorkeling area.
Fortunately, this wasn't the first time such an incident had occurred at Koh Lipe, so the medical clinic on the island knew exactly how to treat it as first aid. They quickly arranged for the person to be transferred to a hospital on the mainland, though it still took about five hours with extreme pain in a speedboat and ambulance.
The person experienced the worst pain of their life, followed by a serious infection that required no fewer than nine different IV antibiotics before it was brought under control a month later.
About the Stonefish
The Stonefish is considered one of the most venomous fish in the world and can cause extreme pain for those unlucky enough to step on one. Not only is it extremely venomous, but it also poses a significant infection risk, which is often under-communicated and can be the most dangerous consequence of a Stonefish injury.
Read more: Beware of Stonefish and Other Poisonous Sea Creatures on Koh Lipe!