Woman commits suicide by leaping into crocodile pond at Thailand farm: Police

This picture taken on Sept 15, 2014, shows crocodiles in and outside a pond at the farm where a woman committed suicide in Samut Prakan, outside Bangkok. The 65-year-old woman jumped from a resting point on the walkway into the middle of the pond, wh
This picture taken on Sept 15, 2014, shows crocodiles in and outside a pond at the farm where a woman committed suicide in Samut Prakan, outside Bangkok. The 65-year-old woman jumped from a resting point on the walkway into the middle of the pond, which contains hundreds of adult crocodiles. -- PHOTO: AFP

BANGKOK (AFP) - A 65-year-old Thai woman has committed suicide by leaping into a pond of crocodiles at a farm popular with tourists on Bangkok's outskirts, the police told AFP on Tuesday.

The incident occurred during opening hours at the farm, which doubles as a zoo and draws visitors who can feed the deadly reptiles from a walkway. The farm is an hour outside Bangkok.

The woman jumped on Friday from a resting point on the walkway into the middle of the pond - which contains hundreds of adult crocodiles, Mr Preecha Iam-nui of the Samut Prakan police told AFP. "Her sister said the victim was suffering from stress and depression," Mr Preecha added.

Safety rules are often lax at Thai tourist attractions, which include tiger and crocodile farms. The Samut Prakan farm fences are just a few feet high to allow visitors - including children - to feed the reptiles.

Trainers also perform with the creatures, lying on top of them or thrusting their heads and arms into the reptiles' open jaws.

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