Crocodile captured after escaping temple enclosure in Kalasin

A crocodile named Jao Tui, which escaped from its enclosure at Wat Kalayanaborrihan Temple in Kalasin province was successfully captured after being found swimming in the temple’s pond, causing alarm among the locals.

Officials from the Kalasin Fisheries Department, led by a team of skilled crocodile catchers, managed to capture Jao Tui yesterday, October 9. The crocodile had escaped its enclosure and was spotted in the temple’s pond. Despite the temple’s assurance that the crocodile was tame and not aggressive, it sparked fear among the villagers.

At 4.30pm, the team set up nets around Jao Tui’s location in the pond. After more than three hours, they managed to guide the crocodile into nets, bringing it ashore. The crocodile’s mouth was secured and it was transported to the Freshwater Aquaculture Research and Development Centre in Maha Sarakham for a temporary stay of about two weeks to ensure its safety.

Boonthong Paocharoen, an official from the Kalasin Fisheries Department, explained that the capture was not particularly challenging as the crocodile had been raised in a controlled environment. The main difficulty was the high water level.

The team from Ubolrat Dam’s freshwater fisheries protection unit in Khon Kaen demonstrated expertise in safely capturing freshwater crocodiles, ensuring minimal risk to both the crocodile and the capture team.

Jao Tui, approximately 2.65 metres long and about eight years old, is now in safe hands. Boonthong reassured the public that with the crocodile safely captured, there was no longer any danger for those visiting the temple or the surrounding community, reported KhaoSod.

A committee will be formed to decide on Jao Tui’s future. The community and temple will have a say in whether the crocodile should remain at the temple. Should Jao Tui stay, the enclosure will be reinforced to prevent any future escapes.