CHACHOENGSAO - A large crocodile spotted near a residential area during flooding in Sanam Chai Khet district has been put down by authorities after it was deemed a threat to local residents.
Residents of Ban Bang Phaniang Village 2 in tambon Khu Yai Mi reported sighting the crocodile on Thursday amid widespread flooding in the eastern province.
Authorities had earlier warned residents to avoid entering floodwaters, fishing or approaching irrigation canals and flooded areas.
The crocodile, about two metres long, was subsequently dealt with in an operation involving officers from the Sanam Chai Khet police station, according to a Facebook post by provincial councillor Udon Thepwatee.
“The crocodile has been put down. Thank you to the Sanam Chai Khet police officers,” he wrote.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant as rising floodwaters may force reptiles and other aquatic animals to move from their natural habitats into populated areas.
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Chachoengsao provincial councillor Udon Thepwatee poses with the crocodile, which was killed as a precautionary measure because of the flooding in the area on Thursday.