A Chinese tourist drowned in April in Thailand.（File photo/chinaqw.com)
(ECNS) -- China's consulate-general in Songkhla has warned tourists to be careful of the dangers of swimming in southern Thailand as the region enters its rainy season.
In a statement, the consulate-general said the number of mainland tourists to southern Thailand has increased rapidly since early this year, and that 30 tourists died from injuries or drowning from January to May.
In the latest series of incidents, nine tourists ignored warnings to swim in the sea from June 12 to 13, with one 18-year-old drowning off Phuket's Kamala beach while four were rescued but needed hospitalization.
The statement said the sea conditions in Phuket, Krabi and Samui were complex and changeable, so swimmers needed to comply with rules on beaches, ensure that they were well trained or competent for the conditions, and wear life jackets when necessary before swimming in the sea.
The arrival of the rainy season in mid-March also means strong winds and surging waves, making many popular tourist spots unsuitable for swimming, according to the statement.
