Wildlife Sanctuary Closes After Ranger Killed by Tiger
A ranger was killed by an Indochinese tiger at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province, prompting the facility to close temporarily while officials review camera-trap footage to identify the animal responsible.
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province has closed temporarily following the fatal attack on ranger Sakhrin Wichachart near Thabselao Stream. Evidence including drag marks, bite wounds on the corpse, and fresh tiger paw prints found nearby suggests an Indochinese tiger was responsible, though officials have not yet confirmed which individual tiger was involved. A research team from Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station is reviewing camera-trap footage to track the tiger's behavior.
Wildlife officials note that tigers typically do not approach work areas or attack people. When tigers venture near communities, they are often elderly or injured animals unable to hunt naturally. However, detailed investigation is ongoing.
The sanctuary has implemented five protective measures: temporary closure to tourism; warnings to staff to avoid high-risk areas with increased vigilance around offices and ranger posts; installation of additional lighting in vulnerable zones; community engagement and public awareness campaigns; and formal reporting to supervisors for further support.
According to recent surveys, Indochinese tigers are distributed across 26 protected areas in Thailand within five forest complexes. Camera-trap data identifies 210 individual tigers. The Western Forest Complex holds the majority, with Huai Kha Khaeng alone accounting for 100 tigers, followed by Thung Yai Naresuan with 15 tigers on the western side and 25 on the eastern side.
