A senior official of the Bangkok Attorney-General’s Office is on 24-hour watch in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Phuket Town, Thailand, after jumping into a hot spring in Krabi on 13 April.

Somkiat Phatkhun, deputy director of the Training and Development Institute, suffered severe heat stroke from plunging into a hot spring at Huay Nam Khao in Khlong Thom, Krabi.

Overcome by the heat, he passed out and the heat stroke triggered organ failure, specifically of his liver and kidneys. The official remains in a coma under constant supervision, according to Phuket Gazette.

Phatkhun was on holiday with his wife when the incident occurred and doctors say she is fine because she entered the hot spring slowly.

Dr Jessada Chungpaibulpatana, director of Vachira Hospital warned: “Keep in mind that the water temperature is much higher than your body temperature. Let your body adapt to the high temperature by entering the water slowly. Once your body has adapted to the hot water, you will be fine.”

Following the incident, Krabi Governor Songphol Sawasdhram ordered local authorities to ensure that signs clearly warn tourists about what precautions to take before entering a hot spring.

Although hot springs are experiencing a surge in popularity globally, recent incidents have highlighted that operators need to take safety regulations seriously and provide guests with guidance on how to enjoy the spa experience without hurting themselves.