A French tourist was injured after being bitten on the leg by a crocodile during a visit to Khao Yai National Park Sunday.
The tourist, Muriel Benetulier, 41, suffered a severe bite wound after she was attacked at Huay Lamtakong off the nature study trail in the Haew Suwat waterfall area, said Thanya Netithammakul, head of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department.
He said the incident was reported by the park chief, Kanchit Srinoppawan. Mr Thanya said that tourists nearby said Ms Benetulier visited the park with her husband and the couple came across a crocodile lurking in the water.
She wanted to be photographed with the crocodile and tried to get close to the reptile. She squatted near the crocodile and had a photo taken. But as she was getting up, she tipped to one side and the crocodile snapped her left leg. The park rangers were alerted and took her to Apai Phubet Hospital.
Mr Thanya said that signboards were put up warning visitors about the crocodiles. Tourists were told to keep to the nature trail. Park staff were also stationed along the route to offer assistance.