Giant swarm of bees attacks near Pattaya government offices; 17 injured, rescue teams respond

On August 20, 2016, around noon, rescue workers and medical teams in Pattaya scrambled to assist 17 people injured after a large swarm of bees attacked near a government office building in Bang Lamung subdistrict. The incident occurred close to a residential area and a transit route, causing several schoolchildren and members of the public to be stung. Thirteen of the injured were students. The injured were immediately taken to Pattaya Hospital and nearby hospitals for treatment.

Sawangboriboon Bangkok Rescue, which received the call at about 10:20 a.m., said it dispatched more than five ambulances and first-aid teams to the scene. Most victims suffered swelling, redness, and chest tightness from stings to the face, arms, and torso. Responders gave initial treatment including antihistamine and anti-inflammatory injections and provided oxygen to some who had difficulty breathing. There were no fatalities reported.

Pattaya City’s disaster prevention and mitigation officers inspected the site where the swarm was found and coordinated with public health units and entomology specialists to assess causes and risks. Initial findings suggest the large swarm came from a nest in shrubs or at the base of a large tree near the government building. Small digging or disturbances from nearby construction activities may have agitated the bees and caused them to emerge as a large swarm. Authorities cordoned off the area, advised the public to stay away, and arranged for specialists to safely relocate the hive.

The incident alarmed local residents and students passing through the area. Some parents urged local authorities to implement preventive measures for public spaces, secure areas prone to bee nesting, and provide training on how to behave when encountering a swarm—such as moving away slowly, not waving hands to shoo bees, and seeking help from officials immediately.

Officials advised tourists in the area to heed warning signs and avoid zones declared dangerous. They said anyone experiencing allergic reactions to stings—such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or signs of shock—should seek medical or rescue help immediately. Local agencies are creating a proactive plan to inspect public areas at risk for large bee nests and will deploy professional bee-control teams to remove hives from community areas safely. If hive removal proceeds smoothly, authorities expect to reopen the area within 2–3 days.

This bee attack in the Pattaya community highlights the need to monitor environments near populated areas and for public health agencies to be prepared for venomous-animal emergencies—covering first aid, engaging pest-management experts, and educating the public—to reduce the risk of injuries or unexpected incidents in the future.