Authorities Search for Crocodile Sighted in Lopburi River
Local officials in Lopburi have launched a search operation after reports of a crocodile swimming in the Lopburi River near Wat Tako.
On October 20, 2026, officials in Lopburi province, including the Deputy Governor and provincial fisheries authorities, convened to address reports of a crocodile sighting in the Lopburi River. The animal was reportedly spotted by a village assistant swimming near Wat Tako, crossing between Moo 12 and Moo 3.
While provincial fisheries officials have not definitively confirmed the species, they have expressed a 70% confidence level that the tracks found near the riverbank belong to a crocodile rather than a monitor lizard. In response, local authorities have established a command center at the Wat Tako pier and are maintaining 24-hour patrols by boat and on land.
For residents and visitors, this situation serves as a significant safety warning. Local leaders have issued public announcements urging citizens to keep children away from the river and to avoid swimming in the area entirely. The riverbank near the temple is known for its high fish population, which may be attracting the animal. While the search is ongoing, the presence of the creature remains unconfirmed by physical capture. Authorities are currently focused on monitoring the river and ensuring public awareness until the animal is located or the threat is dismissed.
