The incident, captured in a 56-second video clip, shows a man and a boy pulled into the water by powerful waves before being rescued by a lifeguard and bystanders.
The clip, which has since gone viral online under the hashtags “#Phuket #KalimBeach,” was posted with the caption: “The waves are very strong these days! Not just strong, they suck you in!”
Witnesses reported that the tourists were fortunate to have been noticed and rescued in time, otherwise the outcome could have been fatal.
The footage has prompted a flood of online comments, with many netizens criticising the tourists’ decision to sit on the rocks amid heavy surf. Remarks included: “The waves are so strong, why go in? Are you going to be reborn?” and “I feel sorry for the rescuers.”
Others shared their own experiences of being caught in waves at Kalim Beach, describing how the currents can be deceptively strong and dangerous.
Authorities and locals are urging caution for anyone visiting the shoreline, especially during the current southwest monsoon season when waves along Phuket’s west coast are particularly hazardous.
“Life is no joke,” the post warned, echoing calls for tourists to heed safety advisories and avoid risky behaviour near the sea during rough conditions.