SURAT THANI: Thirty-six crocodiles broke loose from a farm in Phanom district of this southern province late on Saturday night following a rainstorm, but all were soon recaptured.
Wichawut Jinto, the Surat Thani governor, said 108 crocodiles -- all a little over one year old and about one metre long -- were being raised at a farm with three ponds belonging to Chaiyapruek Ketkaew, 43, for about the last two months.
It was believed the 36 crocodiles managed to slip out from one of the three ponds on the farm after a heavy rainstorm raised the pond's water level.
Farm employees and volunteers from an emergency rescue unit were quickly deployed to give chase to the errant reptiles. They managed to recapture 35 late on Saturday, but one remained on the run overnight.
The final fugitive crocodile, however, was spotted on Sunday morning and recaptured.
The governor, who went to inspect the farm on Sunday morning, said he had instructed the owner to strengthen the farm wall to prevent a recurrence of the incident and ensure safety for the neighbours.
