The crocodile hunting operation team, led by Nikhom Suksawat from the Panya Farm Co Ltd Crocodile Capture Training and Academic Center in Nakhon Pathom, announced this morning (Aug 5) that the team had successfully captured the crocodile.
A whole host of officials were present at the scene to share the news, including Prayut Rattanawan, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office, along with Pa Khlok Mayor Panya Sampaorat, Sakda Thawimuang, head of the fisheries management group; Thalang District Fisheries Office Chief Therdsak Mitwong.
The hunt for the crocodile began after security staff at the Mission Hills golf course spotted the reptile in a tine mine lagoon adjacent to the golf course last Wednesday (July 31).
Search efforts identified the reptile as a saltwater crocodile, approximately 1.5 metres in length, which was confirmed this morning.
However, the crocodile evaded capture for days. In some parts of the lagoon the water is up to 10 metres deep, and visitors arriving to catch a glimpse of the croc could have been scaring the crocodile from coming ashore, which would have made its capture quicker and easier, Mr Nikhom explained on Friday.
Officials will transport the crocodile to the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Center in Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga.
Meanwhile, the crocodile will be temporarily housed at the Phuket Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Center in Pa Khlok.
Initially, the crocodile will be isolated in a cement pond for a health check and breed identification. Afterwards, it will be moved to a larger cement pond for further conditioning, Mr Nikhom explained.