Crocodile Sighting at Mission Hills Golf Course Sparks Immediate Action

Security guards at Mission Hills Golf Course in Pa Khlok, located on Phuket’s east coast, were put on high alert today (July 31) after spotting a crocodile swimming in an old mine adjacent to the golf course.

Discovery and Immediate Response

The old mine, now on private land, quickly became a focal point for local authorities. Prayut Rattanawan, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office, instructed the Thalang District Fisheries Office to coordinate with local officials for a site inspection. A video clip and photographs confirmed the reptile to be a freshwater crocodile, approximately two meters in length.

Safety Measures Implemented

For safety reasons, security officers at the golf course have been ordered to closely monitor the area and prohibit any unauthorized access to the mine. Provincial fisheries officials have issued strict warnings against swimming in the mine and are coordinating with the specialized 'Kraithong' team of crocodile catchers from the Department of Fisheries in Surat Thani to ensure the crocodile is safely captured and relocated.

Expert Assistance on Standby

In the event that the 'Kraithong' team cannot respond promptly, Nikhom Suksawat, an expert from Panya Farm Crocodile Catching and Conservation Training Center in Nakhon Pathom Province, has been contacted and is expected to capture the crocodile tonight.

Public Advisory

Local residents and visitors to the golf course are advised to stay clear of the area until the situation is fully resolved. The 'Kraithong' team of crocodile hunters have previously made a name for themselves in Phuket. They were last called to the island in 2021 to locate and capture a crocodile seen near Chalong Pier. The team was also involved in capturing the female crocodile 'Yanui' near the rocks off Koh Kata, just offshore from Layan Beach, in 2018.

Conclusion

The swift response and coordinated efforts of local authorities and specialized teams highlight the importance of public safety and wildlife management. With experts on standby, the safe capture and relocation of the crocodile are expected to be carried out promptly, ensuring the safety of both residents and the reptile.