Officials relocate "Chao Nuea Thong" a crocodile weighing over 400 kilograms from Wat Pho Thong in Prachinburi Province out of the flood zone
On 27 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Jutamas Buaphuan, Sri Maha Phot district chief, was contacted by Wat Pho Thong in Prachinburi Province requesting staff support to relocate a crocodile weighing over 400 kilograms from the flooded temple area.
Upon receiving the notice, the Sri Maha Phot district chief coordinated with the Department of Fisheries, rescue volunteers from Ruamkatanyu, and local villagers to carry out the crocodile's relocation from Wat Pho Thong.
Officials tied the crocodile’s legs, mouth, and arms with ropes; the crocodile, later identified as 'Chao Nuea Thong,' aged 27, was then moved from the temple’s pond area, where floodwaters reached about 1.3 meters.
During the relocation, it was observed that Chao Nuea Thong measured over 4 meters in length. Officials transported it onto the road, used a crane truck to lift it onto a vehicle, and moved it to a sanctuary about 20 kilometers away in another subdistrict, unaffected by flooding.
This event brought relief to the temple abbot, villagers, and involved officials after removing Chao Nuea Thong from the severe flooding in Sri Maha Phot district. Authorities feared that if left, the crocodile might escape into the Prachinburi River, causing ongoing concern among locals.