Is Phi Phi islands safe for swimming?

Question

My girlfriend and I are heading to Phuket in less than a month. But she's getting nervous of dangerous fish that we might encounter while snorkeling and swimming. This was worsening when we watched the film entitled “The Beach” as we are also planning to go to Phi Phi Islands. She is now very worried about sharks and everything we seen on movie. Can someone please reaffirm to my girlfriend that our trip would be safe, please help me giving her peace of mind.  Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

The movie “The Beach” which was filmed near Phi Phi Islands has no resemblance to the real Phi Phi islands. There are no sharks around so no need to worry. I have been here for almost three years already and had seen nothing scary in the water, other than fat guys in G-strings. Have a good holiday ahead.

Answer 2

I did scuba diving so often while in Phuket. And I got no worries about the shark especially on the west coast of Phuket. The only thing you can have issue about is jelly fish, which might be painful but surely not life threatening. I do not recommend swimming off the east coast. I heard that a German who used to swim there died, was killed by big fish or shark a couple of years ago. It might be due to water being quite murky.