The announcement came today at a meeting today (Aug 2) between Prayut Rattanawan, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office, along with Pa Khlok Mayor Panya Sampaorat and Nikhom Suksawat from the Panya Farm Co Ltd Crocodile Capture Training and Academic Center in Nakhon Pathom, who is leading the efforts to catch the crocodile.
Mr Nikhom is formerly of the specialised ‘Kraithong’ team of crocodile catchers from the Department of Fisheries in Surat Thani and has been trained in their tactics.
The crocodile was first spotted swimming in a tin mine lagoon next to the Mission Hills golf course on Wednesday (July 31).
Search efforts have identified the reptile as a saltwater crocodile, approximately 1.5 metres in length. However, so far the crocodile has evaded capture.
In some parts of the lagoon the water is up to 10 metres deep, explained Mr Nikhom today.
Attempts to lure the crocodile ashore so it could be caught have also failed. Also, some equipment, like the nets designed for shallow water, has proven inadequate, he added.
“Over the past two nights, we encountered a problem with many people, including reporters and unrelated individuals, coming in to watch, Mr Nikhom said.
“This caused the crocodile to panic, making it impossible for us to carry out our operation using Kraithhong tactics,” he added.
“Today, it was decided that the Krai Thong team will continue their work, but we will ask all unrelated outsiders to stay away from the area. The Mayor of Pa Khlok will help organise the area to ensure this,” he said.
“The golf course manager has offered accommodations and dining facilities for the search-and-capture team, located about 200 metres from the water source. This will allow effective monitoring,” Mr Nikhom said.
“We are confident that we can still capture the crocodile, but it is essential that no outsiders cause panic. We will provide updates to the public as soon as there is any progress,” he concluded.
Mr Prayut expressed confidence in the plan, noting that the team believes the crocodile, having gone without food for two nights, will soon come ashore to bask in the sun, at which point they can successfully capture it.
He assured that any progress would be promptly communicated to the public.