Crocodiles in Thailand – habitats, dangers, leather goods

When you go to Thailand you take away not only quite tangible things, but also things that can pass any, even the strictest customs: the luggage of your impressions about the fabulous country, the ancient and eternally young kingdom of Siam. Crocodiles in Thailand can be a kind of cherry on the cake, just the thing you’ll never forget. And crocodile products in Thailand are sold freely and are not considered contraband.

A word or two about Thai crocodiles

Are there crocodiles in Thailand?” We can assure you that these some of the oldest reptiles on Earth are as common in the kingdom of Siam as hedgehogs in central Russia. However, there are two varieties: Indian, larger, and the local, Siamese crocodile. Their habitat is the swampy shores of rivers and lakes in the mainland.

Crocodiles in Thailand

From the dangerous and unpleasant neighborhood, local peasants build a fence like a wattle and daub at every river ford. And in Pak Nam Pho province, famous for the endless swamp of Bung Boripet, these reptiles are so well behaved that local authorities have to shoot them en masse because they pose a real threat to the population.

Crocodiles in Thailand

In addition to wild specimens, Thailand also has deliberately bred toothy reptiles on farms (such as crocodile farm in Pattaya). During the rainy season, when floods inundate these “reservations” and destroy fences, mass escapes of Cheburashka’s friends are not uncommon. Among the fugitives there can be both young small individuals, dangerous for pets, and adult three-meter giants, with whom it is better not to meet a human.

Crocodiles in Thailand

In principle, you can meet a Thai crocodile even in the center of the resort area. Although the likelihood of such a danger is small. Therefore the fact that Thailand is home to crocodiles should not be a reason not to visit this country.

Thai colorful crocodiles

You might be surprised, but Thai crocodiles can change their skin color. If you see them in the early morning when they return from hunting and come ashore to bask, their skin is usually gray. Alternatively, brown or even black. As it warms up, the reptile turns a dirty green color, and when it’s hot, it turns sandy. You should remember this fact, because “hot” Thai crocodiles are the most nimble, and therefore dangerous.

The crocodile show in Thailand

Crocodiles in Thailand are an integral part of the tourist business. Their skins are used to make various accessories and souvenirs, and the ones that haven’t reached maturity take part in all kinds of shows. The largest crocodile farm in Thailand, which keeps up to 60,000 animals, is located in Samut Prakan Province, which is part of the Greater Bangkok metropolitan area and is located halfway to Pattaya.

Feeding crocodiles in Thailand

The most accessible entertainment for tourists is feeding crocodiles with chicken carcasses prepared by the farm owners. And the natives also show farangas wonders of cunning and deviousness by shoving hands and even heads into the reptiles’ mouths. In fact, the show with crocodiles in Thailand is an extreme entertainment, because after millions of years of evolution, the crocodiles are still the same aliens from the past – sworn friends of the dinosaurs, who do not want to change and learn the basics of training (by the way, wouldn’t you like to know the harsh realities of training elephants in Thailand?

Crocodile show in Thailand

To avoid excesses in front of an amazed public, Thai crocodile tamers prefer to communicate with the specimens already well fed and kept in pools of cold water. Under these conditions, they become relatively safe, as their reaction to the surrounding reality is drastically reduced.

The crocodile as a consumer commodity

The exotic crocodile show is not a staple product. These reptiles are bred mainly for obtaining leather and making various accessories out of it. Purses, bags, belts made of crocodile skin can be found in any shopping center in Thailand.

The meat of the crocodile – the illustration of the proverb “neither fish nor meat, but in Thailand it is very highly valued and considered a delicacy. It is offered in the most expensive and posh restaurants. But in Thailand you can try crocodile meat shish kebab at affordable prices in farms.

Crocodile Shish kebab in Thailand

A crocodile meat kebab

The crocodile skin in Thailand is quite a common commodity and a good help for the natives to supplement their budget. Hunting these toothy reptiles is not the easiest and safest activity, but the proceeds from it justify all the risks.

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