Crocodile Seen in Lopburi River, Officials Warn Residents
A village assistant in Lopburi province reported seeing a crocodile swimming across the Lopburi River near Wat Tako while making merit at the temple. Officials have not confirmed the sighting but noted footprints and tail marks that differ from those of monitor lizards, prompting warnings for riverside residents to stay alert. A watch has been set up to monitor the animal’s movements and prevent any danger to the public.
Village assistant Theerachat Komol reported seeing a crocodile swimming across the Lopburi River near Wat Tako while making merit at the temple. Fishery officials said they could not confirm the sighting without seeing the animal, but noted that footprints, tail marks and the walking pattern differed from those of monitor lizards. On October 19, 2026, village head Naringkorn Srijum and local officials took reporters to the site opposite Wat Tako, where they found 10‑centimetre footprints and a straight tail drag on wet ground, as well as paths leading into the river. Authorities have set up a watch to monitor whether the animal comes ashore to bask in the midday sun. Fisheries chief Sangka Khumphan said the area is flooded and home to many monitor lizards, but the straight‑line tail drag is unlike those animals, and no villagers are known to keep crocodiles. Village headman Samsak Chamaphtip said warnings have been issued via the local public address system, urging riverside residents to stay alert, and that a watch has been organized to prevent any danger to the public.
