Giant Stingray Found in Dried Phayao Canal
A 20-kilogram giant freshwater stingray was discovered in a dried-up canal in Phayao's Dok Kham Tai District. Municipal disaster officials rescued the rare fish and released it into a nearby forest park water source. Locals treated the find as auspicious, using the stingray's estimated weight as lottery numbers for the upcoming draw.
On November 13, 2026, a surprising discovery occurred in Dok Kham Tai District, Phayao Province. Disaster prevention and mitigation officials from Ban Tham Subdistrict Municipality found a large freshwater stingray in a canal behind their office after water levels had receded until the canal nearly dried up. The unusual sight stunned officials, as stingrays of this size are rarely found in the area.
Initial examination showed the stingray was large, weighing an estimated 15-20 kilograms, with distinctive features including a flat, soft body and a protruding snout resembling a short elephant trunk. The fish had been hiding in muddy soil underwater. Officials worked together to lift it from the canal and transport it for release into a natural water source at Wat Phra That Chom Sila Forest Park, adjacent to the municipal office, allowing the stingray to return to a suitable habitat.
The discovery created excitement among witnesses and local residents, particularly those who believe in lucky omens. Many took the predicted weight of 15-20 kilograms as lucky numbers to bet on in the upcoming government lottery draw.
