Student Admits AI-Generated Crocodile Photo Sparked School Panic
A student at a Chonburi school created an AI-generated crocodile image that sparked a panic and prompted a costly search by rescue teams in July, authorities confirmed. Officials warned the public to verify information before sharing, espec
An AI-generated image claiming to show a crocodile at a school in Satthahip district, Chonburi province, sparked widespread panic on July 23, 2025, following heavy overnight rainfall that caused flooding in the area. The image was shared through a Facebook page after someone submitted it for verification, causing significant concern among students, parents, and residents.
District Chief Natthawut Anuyodthai ordered officials and rescue teams to conduct a thorough search of the school and surrounding areas, but found no evidence of a crocodile or any traces. Meanwhile, Thana Thanathat Pramoenpong, a Member of Parliament from Chonburi's District 10, arrived to verify the situation and investigate the image's origins.
Authorities traced the photo's source to a student at Singhasamutt School who admitted creating the image using artificial intelligence technology before sharing it in chat groups, from which it spread widely and was mistaken for a real incident. Officials confirmed no crocodile was present at the school and urged the public to fact-check sources, verify image credibility, and exercise caution before sharing, especially AI-generated content, to prevent unnecessary panic and reduce the burden on rescue personnel responding to false reports.
