Croc-and-awe: Residents splash over Ping River crocodile sighting

Residents of Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, are in a right flap after a suspected crocodile was spotted having a lazy float in the Ping River. The provincial fisheries department quickly jumped into action, sending out snaps of mysterious footprints to the experts for a gander.

Jesada Thangmanee, the district’s top fish wrangler, jumped on the croco-drama tipped off by buzzing Chom Thong Facebook pages. Witnesses at Moo 7 village, Ban Aopphawan Wang Din, claimed they were dining riverside when they spotted what looked like a crocodile having a paddle near the riverbank.

From a distance of 20 metres, coordinates N18.436513 E98.340100, they glimpsed its snout and beady eyes peeking above the water, sending ripples of panic through locals.

Once the news began to roll downstream, curious residents rushed to the riverbank, keen to snap their proof of the croc’s cameo and dish the drama with their neighbours.

Jesada, alongside the local village head, went boots-in to check things out first-hand. They gathered stories from those claiming to have seen the creature, keeping a sharp watch to calm frayed nerves in the area.

Despite the initial panic, Jesada pointed out that the observed movement and tail dragging are not typical crocodile behaviour. He mentioned recent flooding in areas where crocodiles are kept, which could explain the sighting. However, the unclear footprints due to rain have left some doubt, reported KhaoSod.

“All the photographs have been sent to experts for verification. We will report the findings as soon as they come in.”

The community remains vigilant as they await the final confirmation from experts. Local government officials are dedicated to keeping the residents informed and safe, ensuring that any potential threat is swiftly managed.

In related news, 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.