Thousands of migrating wild teals have arrived in Thailand to escape the winter chill.

The flock of fowl took off for warmer climes and landed in a large swamp in Ang Thong province on November 10.

Villager Udom Champanya, 65, said the birds had been spotted migrating during heavy flooding in Ang Thong, before coming back as the cold season approaches.

He said: 'I want this place to become a natural bird-watching attraction, to preserve the teals so they aren't hunted down for food.

'The area around the swamp is used for running and cycling. If it is adjusted, it could become a tourist spot in Ang Thong.'

Eurasian teals or common teals are a type of dabbling duck known for the blue-green swathes on their heads and wings.

They are smaller than the average duck, with stouter bodies and gray-black beaks. They form large flocks and inhabit wetlands, feeding on seeds and aquatic invertebrates.