A crocodile farm operator in Chon Buri's Bang Lamung district has vowed to improve safety measures to protect tourists during feeding time after an inspection was conducted yesterday.
Uthen Yangprapakorn, the operator of Elephant Kingdom Pattaya (Anachak Chang Pattaya), said yesterday his farm plans to implement the tougher measures to help protect tourists while they feed the dangerous reptiles.
Mr Uthen was speaking yesterday after a combined team of officials of livestock division, rangers, health personnel and military officers led by Bang Lamung district chief Chakorn Kanjanawatta inspected his farm.
The inspection followed photos of activities the farm has provided for tourists were shared online, showing tourists in a cage mounted in a raft powered by an outboard engine feeding fish to crocodiles in a pond.
The incident had provoked criticism from netizens over the farm's safety measures. The netizens called on relevant authorities to inspect the farm.
Sitting on an area of 48 rai, Anachak Chang Pattaya is a popular tourist attraction in Chon Buri.
It features two large crocodile ponds with more than 4,000 crocodiles and 300 large horned crocodiles plus hornbills, panthers and leopards.
Mr Uthen said his farm has worked in partnership with Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo, and has operated for more than 14 years.
He said he arranged feeding activities to entice tourists, adding about 500 tourists visited the farm a day.
With a maximum carrying load of 8,000kg, the raft is limited to 10-15 people, he said.
He said there have been no problems related to crocodile attacks at his farm.