Two Crocodiles Spotted in Canal Near Temple in Pathum Thani
Two crocodiles, measuring 1.5 to 2 meters and approximately 1 meter long, were spotted in an irrigation canal near a temple in Pathum Thani on July 20, prompting residents to avoid the water and raising safety concerns.
On July 20, 2025, residents of Soi Khlong 8 in Lamlukkha Subdistrict, Lamlukkha District, Pathum Thani Province shared footage of a large crocodile measuring over 2 meters long appearing near Phetchthanya Temple, alarming the local community. A reporter visited the scene at a massage platform on Irrigation Canal 8 within the temple grounds and interviewed Mr. Duen, a 49-year-old traditional massage therapist working at the platform, who witnessed the reptile. He reported seeing a suspicious animal resembling a crocodile surfacing from the water between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. At first, it appeared to be a log, but closer observation revealed the animal's head above water, with visible nostrils, eyes, and a mouth flat against the surface before it remained still briefly and then submerged vertically—behavior distinctly different from floating wood carried by currents.
The larger crocodile observed in the middle of the canal measured approximately 1.5 to 2 meters in length, while a smaller second specimen, roughly 1 meter long, surfaced near the platform about 3 meters away. The distinction between the sighting and local fish species was made based on crocodile behavior: fish often surface with their entire heads and bodies visible, whereas crocodiles typically expose only the top of their heads, showing eyes and nostrils for breathing while keeping their bodies submerged—a natural survival behavior. After spotting the creatures, the witness notified residents and advised caution, especially for those who wade into the canal to fish or harvest vegetables, until the situation could be verified for public safety.
Ms. Patthama Phurahngon, an official at Phetchthanya Temple, revealed that before the crocodile sighting was confirmed, unusual fish behavior had been observed: the fish refused pellet feed and gathered on one side of the canal. Though monks had distributed 4 to 5 sacks of fish food after morning alms, the fish eventually resumed normal feeding habits, raising suspicions about the cause of the odd behavior. Additionally, approximately one week earlier, a floating object had surfaced when water levels were higher, prompting an inspection due to suspicions it might be a crocodile, but the distance prevented confirmation.
When the crocodile was spotted that afternoon, Ms. Phurahngon was away at a bank. Upon returning, shop staff informed her that multiple people—including a doctor and massage therapists in the area—had witnessed the crocodiles and recorded footage, which had been shared on Facebook, confirming her suspicion. Following the crocodile report's spread through the community, local anxiety increased significantly. Water spinach harvesters temporarily stopped their work over safety concerns, fearing a confrontation with the crocodile despite pending customer orders. Some residents reported having to remain vigilant while harvesting, cautiously observing anything moving in the water, uncertain whether it was a crocodile. Local residents expressed worry after learning of the sighting near the temple, which they frequent for merit-making activities, and said they would exercise greater caution going forward.
