Thailand’s Fisheries Department has banned a crocodile farm in Chon Buri from allowing tourists to board a raft to feed full-grown crocodiles.
Chon Buri chief fisheries officer Bancha Sukkaew served the order of the department chief to the Anachak Chang Pattaya at noon Sunday (July 17).
The order suspended the licence of the crocodile farm for tourism for 90 days until the farm improves its safety measures for tourists.
The order also prohibited activities that allow tourists to board a raft to feed hungry crocodile by hoisting chicken meat from rods in the middle of the crocodile pond.
The activities have become the talk of the town after a tourist posted a video clip on Facebook showing tourists teasing the crocodiles by lifting the meat away when the reptiles jumped into the air trying to catch the meat.
Many men shared the clip and said they hoped to have a chance to take their wife to visit the crocodile pond.
Bancha said Fisheries Director General Adisorn Promptep has seen the clip and considered that the activities were not safe.
Many tourists still visited the farm on Sunday but were disappointed when informed that the farm has been temporarily closed.
