Kaeng Krachan National Park released two freshwater crocodiles back to the source of the Phetchaburi River after DNA tests confirmed with 100% certainty they are pure Siamese freshwater crocodiles (Siamese Crocodile). to restore the World Heritage ecosystem to full health.
On 18 February 2026, Mongkol Chaiphakdee, Chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, led a team of park officials along with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Thailand to release two pure Siamese freshwater crocodiles back to their "true home" at the source of the Phetchaburi River to help restore the World Heritage ecosystem.
Mongkol said the two crocodiles were wild animals found in the Phetchaburi River area. The park coordinated with Navin Julkarat and Chalong Thongsong, Assistant Park Chiefs, along with the WCS team, to travel to the Phetchaburi Fisheries Office for detailed verification.
DNA analysis from the Genomics and Animal Biological Resources Research Unit at Kasetsart University's Faculty of Science confirmed clearly that these two crocodiles are pure Siamese freshwater crocodiles naturally remaining in Wang Kha, at the source of the Phetchaburi River, with no hybridization. This is very positive news for global conservation efforts. The crocodiles were officially authorized and received from the Department of Fisheries to be released back into the protected area.
Before the important mission began, on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, the park held an annual merit-making ceremony at the Kaeng Krachan National Park Protection Unit KJ.19 (Khao Panern Thung), including offering food to monks for blessings for the staff and forest. On the morning of 18 February 2026, the auspicious time was chosen for the official release ceremony of the two pure Siamese crocodiles at KU Camp in Kaeng Krachan National Park, so they could sustainably resume their role in conserving the Phetchaburi River headwaters.
Information courtesy of the Facebook page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.