Chon Buri Fisherman Pornsak Reels In Juvenile Crocodile

In Mueang Hua Thanon, nestled in Panat Nikhom district, Chon Buri, a quiet evening of fishing took a wild turn when a local angler discovered that his “big bite” came with teeth he definitely didn’t expect. Instead of hauling in a hefty catfish, 35-year-old Pornsak found himself face to snout with a crocodile—yes, a crocodile—lurking in the same natural waterway where families often cast lines at dusk.

A fish tale with scales and teeth

Pornsak had taken a few days off work and, like any self-respecting weekend fisherman, set up an impressive spread: 30 fishing rods lining the waterway. As the sky bruised into evening and the cicadas tuned up, one rod began to bend and tremble. Convinced he had a prize catch, he hurried over—only to freeze when he saw the unmistakable armored hide and uncompromising stare of a crocodile on his line.

Startled but steady, he managed to bring the animal ashore safely, ending a very different kind of tug-of-war than he’d planned. By morning light, he measured the unexpected catch: a juvenile crocodile weighing around 1.8 kilograms and measuring approximately 86 centimeters in length. Unsure of the next steps (this is a long way from “clean and grill”), Pornsak reported the incident to local authorities and did what any good neighbor would do—he warned residents to stay alert. Where there’s a youngster, he cautioned, there could be a mother nearby.

Photo courtesy: สมาคมผู้สื่อข่าว-ช่างภาพสายเจาะจังหวัดชลบุรี (Chon Buri Reporters & Photographers Association) via Facebook.

A reminder that Thailand’s waters are still wild

While a crocodile snagged on a fishing line makes for a gasp-inducing story, the encounter is also a timely reminder: Thailand’s waterways are alive, dynamic, and sometimes home to remarkable creatures that don’t read our neighborhood maps. Local officials are investigating the find to determine how the juvenile ended up in the waterway and whether more crocodiles might be present.

For residents around Mueang Hua Thanon and throughout Panat Nikhom district, this means a brief shift from the casual evening stroll to something a little more vigilant—especially near the banks at dawn and dusk, when many aquatic animals are most active.

From surprise catch to conservation spotlight

Thailand’s crocodile stories aren’t all jump scares and fishing mishaps. In fact, a recent sighting in the wild sent a wave of hope through conservation circles. At Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, a rare Siamese crocodile was photographed basking on a sunlit rock—an image that instantly electrified wildlife watchers and park rangers alike.

Somkiat Yodmalee, Director of the Conservation Area Management Office 11, announced on March 13 that a team led by Daengrawee Promrak had successfully captured the elusive species on camera. The photograph, taken on March 5 at Pak Kasao in Klong Chomphu, Phitsanulok, shows the crocodile in a pristine, riverine tableau—the kind of scene that underscores why protected habitats matter.

The sighting is more than just a pretty picture. It validates months of diligent monitoring and the strategic placement of wildlife trap cameras that began in October 2024. Before this, the last confirmed sighting in the area dated back to 2013, though locals had long whispered about the animal’s possible return. Those whispers now have a face, a sunlit rock, and a GPS coordinate.

Two crocodile tales, one clear takeaway

Juxtapose the Panat Nikhom surprise with the Phitsanulok triumph, and a bigger story emerges. Whether it’s an unexpected encounter in a community waterway or a carefully documented moment in a national park, crocodiles remain a part of Thailand’s natural heritage. The difference lies in context. In managed landscapes like Thung Salaeng Luang, sightings signal conservation success. In community canals, they call for common-sense caution.

Authorities will assess whether the Chon Buri juvenile wandered from a habitat, was displaced by seasonal water changes, or has kin nearby. Meanwhile, the park’s photograph highlights how patience, science, and community reports can converge to protect a critically endangered species such as the Siamese crocodile.

Staying safe around waterways in Chon Buri

If you live near Mueang Hua Thanon or spend time along local banks, a few simple practices can make a world of difference:

• Avoid the water’s edge at dawn and dusk, and keep children and pets well back from steep or vegetated banks.
• Do not attempt to catch, feed, or approach any crocodile, regardless of size; report sightings to local authorities immediately.
• Be mindful when fishing at night; use lights, go with a buddy, and check lines carefully before tugging.
• Respect warning signs and community advisories, especially after unusual sightings.

A story that hooks the imagination

As for Pornsak, he set out looking for dinner and reeled in a headline. His quick thinking and prompt report likely helped keep neighbors safe and authorities informed. It’s the kind of tale that will ripple through Panat Nikhom for a while—retold on porches and at market stalls, with dramatic hand gestures illustrating just how the rod bent and the line sang.

And somewhere far from the bait buckets and bobbers, a rare Siamese crocodile warmed itself on a rock, a living emblem of Thailand’s commitment to wildlife. Two scenes, one country, and a gentle nudge to remember: our waters still hold wonders. Whether you’re an angler with 30 rods or a hiker with a camera, keep your eyes open. Nature has a way of tugging the line when you least expect it.

For now, residents in Chon Buri are heeding the warning, local teams are investigating, and conservationists are celebrating a hard-won photograph in Phitsanulok. Call it a tale of scales and serendipity—where a fisherman’s surprise and a park ranger’s patience both add to Thailand’s growing record of remarkable wildlife moments.