"Like a Child but Afraid It Might Harm People"…Thai Crocodile Farm Owner's Tearful Culling

Farm Fence Collapses, Some Crocodiles Escape
125 Out of 700 Already Culled

The owner of a crocodile farm located in Thailand euthanized crocodiles that were at risk of escaping from the farm due to flooding. On the 25th (local time), Thai PBS reported that more than 100 crocodiles were euthanized at a crocodile farm in Lamphun Province, northern Thailand. Nattapak Khumkad, who operates the crocodile farm, announced on his Facebook that some of the crocodiles he had raised for 17 years were euthanized. He said, "If it rains too much, the entire farm wall might collapse," and added, "I am afraid the crocodiles might escape and put local residents in danger."

The owner of a crocodile farm located in Thailand culled crocodiles that were at risk of escaping from the farm due to flooding.
[Photo by AFP·Yonhap News]

In fact, part of Khumkad's farm fence was damaged, and a group of Siamese crocodiles measuring 3 meters in length escaped, threatening livestock and people. In response, Khumkad discussed with his family to prevent a disaster caused by crocodile escape and ultimately decided to euthanize them. Khumkad said that out of about 700 crocodiles on the farm, 125 crocodiles at risk of escape were slaughtered. He explained, "Due to the rain, the farm wall collapsed, and sadly, we had to euthanize the crocodiles," adding, "We have had the crocodiles for 17 years."

Before euthanasia, they also considered relocating the crocodiles to another area unaffected by the flood. However, local authorities reportedly refused to connect to a temporary shelter, citing that the crocodiles were too large. Due to this decision, it is known that he suffered a loss of about 1.4 million baht (approximately 57 million KRW). The euthanized crocodiles will be frozen and later their skin and meat will be sold. Khumkad said, "Because of the flood, there will be no crocodile eggs to collect next year, and the crocodiles will not be able to reproduce," and expressed hope, "I believe the sky will always clear after the rain. Please let there be no more severe rain in Thailand."

Meanwhile, according to the Bangkok Post, since the 10th, nine people have died due to flooding in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces, and more than 34,000 households have been flooded or damaged.
[Photo by AFP·Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, according to the Bangkok Post, since the 10th, nine people have died due to flooding in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces, and more than 34,000 households have been flooded or damaged. As major areas of Chiang Rai city were flooded, Chiang Rai International Airport was also closed. Five airlines operating at Chiang Rai Airport announced the suspension of all flights on the same day. Authorities are mobilizing military units and others to rescue residents isolated by the flood. Since mid-last month, 33 people have lost their lives nationwide in Thailand due to floods and landslides, and about 110,000 households have suffered damage such as flooding.