Two Crocodiles Spotted in Khlong Lam Luk Ka Canal, Residents On Alert
Two crocodiles longer than a meter were spotted in Khlong Lam Luk Ka canal in Pathum Thani province on July 20, prompting residents to avoid the water near Phuetchanya Temple.
On July 20, residents of Khlong 8 in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani province, shared video clips of large crocodiles measuring more than 2 meters long appearing in the canal near Phuetchanya Temple, causing significant panic in the area. A 49-year-old traditional massage therapist stationed at a floating massage clinic in the irrigation canal witnessed the first crocodile between 2 and 2:30 p.m. Initially it appeared to be a log, but closer observation revealed the animal's nose, eyes, and mouth at water level before it sank—a behavior distinct from logs which drift with the current. The first crocodile measured approximately 1.5 to 2 meters, while a smaller second specimen of about 1 meter emerged near the floating clinic, roughly 3 meters away.
The witness distinguished the animals from fish by their natural crocodile behavior of surfacing only the top of the head to breathe, with eyes and nostrils visible while the body remains submerged. He immediately warned residents to avoid entering the water and avoid areas near the canal pending further verification. Pattama Puranasurang, a staff member at the temple, noted unusual fish behavior before the sighting—the fish refused to eat their regular pellet food and huddled on one side of the canal, even though monks later provided 4-5 sacks of fish food. She also recalled seeing a suspicious object floating about a week earlier when water levels were higher. The crocodile sighting has alarmed local water spinach gatherers, who have temporarily halted harvesting for safety, and residents remain anxious despite most not having witnessed the crocodiles themselves.
