Croc found lurking off Phuket beach
PHUKET: A crocodile has been spotted near Ya Nui beach in Muang district, prompting a search for the reptile around the popular tourist hangout, according to provincial governor Noraphat Plodthong.
He said a team led by the district chief is hunting the predator after Somchai Khunluang, 22, told authorities he saw it lurking in the water near the beach in tambon Rawai early on Wednesday evening.
Mr Somchai said he was out fishing when he came across the crocodile surfacing near some boulders on the beach.
He described it as being at least 3 metres long and swimming to shore.
However, as some people were swimming in the area, the crocodile reportedly changed its mind and headed back out to sea. Mr Somchai said he snapped a photo of it on his phone.
Prapoj Na Takuathung, chairman of the Phuket municipal council, said it might be the same crocodile another resident of tambon Rawai told police he had seen several hours after Mr Somchai reported his sighting.
The council chairman said it was unclear from witness accounts what breed it was.
To his knowledge, locals have never reported spotting a crocodile in the area before, he added.
The municipal office has sent a team to conduct surveillance of the beach around the clock and warn beachgoers and fishermen to take precautions.
The office has also banned night swimming.
Provincial fishery office staff have been asked to join the hunt.