skip to main content

Crocodiles on the loose in Thailand

Crocodiles - Farmed in Thailand
Crocodiles - Farmed in Thailand

Villagers-turned-crocodile hunters are tracking four crocodiles that escaped from a farm in northern Thailand last week.

36 crocodiles made a bid for freedom last Wednesday after heavy floods hit a farm in Nakhon Ratchasima province, 260km northeast of Bangkok.

Thai police have since been searching the area for the wildlife.

11 crocodiles have so far been shot dead and another 11 have been taken alive, according to district official Chin Kornjorhor.

Another three or four of the animals died in captivity.

The missing crocodiles are considered to be dangerous but have not injured anyone as yet. Each weighs about 200kg and measures up to 5 metres.

Officials hope to capture them alive.

Crocodiles are farmed in Thailand for their meat and skins, which are used to make handbags and shoes.