Crocodile photo in Prachin Buri warning traced to Sri Lanka
Thai PBS Verify traced the misleading image to Facebook.
Facebook post claims crocodiles escaped during floods
The PBS Verify checked a Facebook account named “พี่แอน โสดาวงษ์” who shared a photograph appearing to show crocodiles, accompanied by a warning that about 70 had escaped in Bang Yang and Bang Taen. The post added: “Be careful of an unexpected catch when fishing for prawns or fish.”
Published on Oct 9, 2026, the post received 1,200 reactions and 60 comments and was shared more than 586 times.
Did the crocodiles really escape?
A Google Lens search by Thai PBS Verify found that the photograph matched footage published on Oct 2, 2026, by the Facebook page Crocodile Adventure crocadventure nilwala.
The post says:
“Meet the giant crocodiles of the Nilwala River!
“Experience the thrill of seeing wild crocodiles in their natural habitat with Croc Adventure Nilwala in Sri Lanka. Cruise along the tranquil river, enjoy beautiful scenery, discover a variety of wildlife and create unforgettable memories on every journey.”
Comparison between the crocodile in the Facebook post, left, and footage from the original video, right.
Thai PBS Verify also contacted Crocodile Adventure Nilwala, which confirmed that the crocodile image belonged to the page.
A conversation with the Crocodile Adventure Nilwala Facebook page.
Google Maps was then used to compare the location shown in the footage. The results confirmed that it was in Sri Lanka, not Thailand.
Comparison between the location in the post, left, and imagery from Google Maps, right.
Google Map shows this
Thai PBS Verify also contacted the person who shared the claim but had not received a response confirming that the photograph had been taken in Thailand.
ภาพแชตสอบถามเจ้าของโพสต์
A keyword search on Google for “70 escaped crocodiles” found an Oct 13, 2026, Thairath report about flooding in Ban Sang district of Prachin Buri. The report said a crocodile had been spotted beside the Bang Pakong River but did not state how many crocodiles had been seen.
Prachin Buri’s Public Relations Department told Thai PBS Verify that villagers had reported seeing a crocodile to their village headman and officials in Prachantakham district. The number was unknown, and no crocodiles were found after the floodwater receded.
What is the flood situation in Prachin Buri province?
A Thai PBS report published on Oct 14, 2026, said Ban Sang district in Prachin Buri serves as a water retention area before floodwater drains into the Bang Pakong River.
Flooding affected almost the entire district and all nine of its subdistricts, causing hardship for more than 9,600 households.
Homes, farmland, prawn ponds, rice fields and schools suffered widespread damage. Several main and secondary roads were submerged and impassable to small vehicles, forcing some residents to travel by boat or high-clearance vehicles.
What are the facts?
Thai PBS Verify found that the crocodile photograph shared with a warning that about 70 crocodiles had escaped in Bang Yang and Bang Taen matched footage published by Crocodile Adventure Nilwala on Oct 2, 2026. The footage showed a crocodile in Sri Lanka’s Nilwala River.
There is no evidence that the photograph shows crocodiles escaping in Thailand. The person who shared the claim did not respond to Thai PBS Verify’s questions about its origin, meaning the claim that about 70 crocodiles escaped could not be substantiated.
Meanwhile, a news report about flooding in Ban Sang district published on Oct 13, 2026, said a crocodile had been seen beside the Bang Pakong River. However, it did not specify how many crocodiles were found, leaving the claim that about 70 had escaped unverified.
Verification Process
- Google Lens search: A reverse-image search found that the photograph matched footage published by the Crocodile Adventure Nilwala Facebook page on Oct 2, 2026.
- Contact with the Facebook page: Thai PBS Verify contacted Crocodile Adventure Nilwala, which confirmed that the crocodile image belonged to the page.
- Google Maps comparison: The location shown in the footage was compared with Google Maps imagery and identified as being in Sri Lanka, not Thailand.
- Contact with the person who shared the post: Thai PBS Verify sought information from the account that posted the claim but received no response confirming that the image was from Thailand.
- Checks with local authorities: Prachin Buri’s Public Relations Department said villagers had reported seeing a crocodile. Its number was unknown, and no crocodiles were found after the water level fell.
- Keyword search: A Thairath report published on Oct 13, 2026, said residents in Ban Sang district were alarmed after a crocodile was spotted beside the Bang Pakong River while homes remained under about one metre of floodwater. The report did not say how many crocodiles had been seen.
Impact of the misleading information
- Causing public alarm: The unsupported claim that about 70 crocodiles had escaped could cause panic among residents of Bang Yang and Bang Taen.
- Disrupting livelihoods: People who catch prawns and fish may become fearful and concerned about their safety.
- Distorting the situation: A crocodile image from Sri Lanka was falsely linked to flooding in Thailand.
- Spreading unverified information: Sharing the image without checking its source could cause the false claim to circulate more widely.
What to do with this misinformation?
- Check the source of the image: Use Google Lens or another reverse-image search tool to determine where a photograph was previously published and whether it is connected to the reported incident.
- Follow official information: Check updates from local authorities, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation or other agencies responsible for the affected area.
- Do not immediately believe or share unverified claims: Take particular care with information likely to cause panic, including allegations that large numbers of dangerous animals have escaped.
- Report genuine sightings: Anyone who sees a crocodile should immediately alert local officials, keep away from the animal and not attempt to capture it. Follow all safety instructions issued by the authorities.
