Seasonal Flooding Reveals Unique 'Water Buffalo' Behavior in Phatthalung
Rising water levels in Thale Noi have prompted local water buffalo to demonstrate their unique diving skills, offering a rare spectacle for visitors.
As the rainy season brings rising water levels to the Thale Noi wetlands in Phatthalung province, the region's famous 'water buffalo' have begun their seasonal adaptation. According to reports from Khaosod Online on November 15, 2026, these indigenous swamp buffalo, which inhabit the area designated as Thailand's first Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the FAO, are now frequently seen diving underwater to graze on submerged grasses and lotus roots. While some owners have begun moving their herds to higher ground for safety, many buffalo remain in the wetlands, allowing tourists to observe this unique behavior. Visitors can view the herds grazing or diving in the expansive grasslands, particularly from the Chalerm Phra Kiat 80 Phansa Bridge (Ekachai Bridge), which connects Phatthalung and Songkhla provinces. These animals typically live freely in the wetlands for eight to nine months of the year, only returning to enclosures during the peak flood season. For travelers, this period offers a distinct opportunity to witness the semi-natural lifestyle of these animals. It remains to be confirmed how long the water levels will remain high enough to sustain this specific diving behavior, as owners continue to monitor conditions and may relocate more herds to higher ground if flooding intensifies.
