Forest Official Dies After Wildlife Attack
A ranger at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand was killed by a wild animal while on duty, with tiger paw prints found near his body discovered by colleagues near a stream.
Colleagues checking on a Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife sanctuary ranger found him missing from his quarters after he failed to show up for a youth camp assignment. They discovered drag marks resembling those of a wild animal before locating his body near a stream. The condition of the remains was severe.
On August 5, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin announced that Sakcrin Wichacharn, a government official at the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve, died after being attacked by a wild animal while on duty this morning. Suchati expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a dedicated officer who sacrificed himself to protect the nation's forests and natural resources, and conveyed condolences to the deceased's family, relatives, and colleagues.
He instructed the director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to provide full support and welfare to the family, investigate the circumstances, and review safety protocols for staff working in high-risk areas to prevent similar incidents.
Initial reports indicate that colleagues searched for Sakcrin after he failed to arrive at the designated meeting point for the youth camp activity. Upon checking his accommodation, they found only his phone and personal belongings, along with drag marks consistent with an animal dragging prey. His body was discovered near Tub Salea Stream, approximately 200 meters from where the incident occurred, bearing signs of animal bites and fresh tiger paw prints in the nearby area.
Authorities have notified investigators from Lansak Police Station to proceed with legal procedures and are coordinating with the deceased's family for further updates.
Suchati emphasized that forest rangers are vital to protecting the nation's natural resources and forests, and that this loss represents a significant tragedy for the ministry. He pledged to provide full support and welfare to the deceased's family and colleagues while strengthening safety measures for rangers nationwide to ensure optimal care for all frontline officers.
