Authorities in Chonburi searched flooded Sing Samut School in Sattahip after a social-media image appeared to show a crocodile inside the campus. No animal or evidence of one was found, and a student later admitted creating the image with artificial intelligence.
Heavy overnight rain had flooded several parts of Sattahip district, disrupting access to the school for pupils and parents. As a precaution, Sing Samut School moved to online learning on Thursday, 23 July.
The fabricated image spread as residents followed flood updates, causing alarm among students, parents and people living nearby.
Flooding and a viral warning
The image was shared online after claiming to show a crocodile in the school grounds. It was also posted by the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Foundation, which had received it from a member of the public seeking verification.
The photo quickly gained wider attention, prompting concerns that a crocodile may have entered the flooded campus.
Sattahip District Chief Nattawut Anuyotha ordered local officials, rescue workers and other relevant agencies to inspect the school and the surrounding area.
People's Party MP Thana Thanatharn Pramulpong, who represents Chonburi's 10th constituency, also visited Sing Samut School after seeing the viral image and hearing public-safety concerns.
No crocodile found
Following a full search, officials said there was no crocodile at the school and no sign that one had been there.
Authorities later traced the image to a student at Sing Samut School. The student admitted using AI to produce the crocodile picture and sharing it in a chat group, from where it was widely reposted by people who believed it was genuine.
Officials urged the public to check information before passing it on, particularly AI-generated images, saying false reports can cause unnecessary panic and divert emergency resources.
Picture courtesy of Khaosod
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24 July 2026
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