Residents of Wai Niao village in Kanchanaburi are alarmed after discovering large footprints and signs of digging on an island in the Mae Klong River. Fearing a crocodile, officials investigated and found large burrows. Community leaders have warned people not to swim or fish in the area under any circumstances.
On 28 April 2026 GMT+7, reporters received information from villagers in Moo 3, Wai Niao Subdistrict, Tha Maka District, Kanchanaburi Province, reporting large animal footprints on an island in the Mae Klong River resembling crocodile tracks. This has caused concern among local residents. Community leaders have contacted the Kanchanaburi Provincial Fisheries Office to urgently verify the situation.
Mr. Narunat Kongkaew, the first to find the footprints, revealed that he and his friends had gone swimming in the area when the water level dropped significantly, allowing them to walk to the river island. There, they found traces resembling the belly of a large animal dragged across the ground with claw marks going into the water. The size was clearly larger than a human body, and they believe it is unlikely to be a monitor lizard. As a result, they no longer dare to swim in that area.
Later, Mr. Chalermphon Hongyon, chairman of Water Rescue Club Region 7, inspected the river island and found two large burrows. Around the area were signs of digging similar to a large animal trying to enter the water, as well as large body tracks estimated to be about 4 meters long. Nearby, villagers from Ban Phong Tuek reported finding a burrow about 3 meters deep with similar marks while fishing.
Mr. Chalermphon explained that crocodiles typically bask in the sun during the day and retreat to burrows at night. However, it is still unclear whether the animal is indeed a crocodile. Officials from the fisheries department will conduct a thorough inspection to confirm.
Meanwhile, Mr. Phattharaphon Chusamut, a local resident, expressed concern about the situation. He said that if it is truly a crocodile, he hopes relevant agencies will capture or relocate it to ensure the community's safety.
Most recently, the village headman has issued a warning to residents and fishermen in the area to avoid approaching the riverbank and to refrain from swimming temporarily until the animal’s identity is confirmed, to prevent any potential danger.