The Department of National Parks provided an update on the case of a tiger attacking officials at Huai Kha Khaeng, clarifying it involved a playful juvenile tiger and was accidental, not qualifying as a "man-eating tiger" incident. "Man-eating tiger" Along with announcing a temporary closure of tourism in the area.
On 6 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, assigned the Office of Protected Areas Region 12 (Nakhon Sawan) and the Wildlife Conservation Division to clarify facts regarding the tiger attack that resulted in the death of an official at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary on 5 Aug.
Ms. Chayaporn Amradit, Director of Protected Areas Region 12 (Nakhon Sawan), along with Mr. Sukhee Boonsang, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Division, and Mr. Permsak Kanitchat, Head of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, jointly presented the facts and operational measures at Thung Faek Forest Protection Unit, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Uthai Thani Province.
Ms. Chayaporn Amradit stated that from examining the tiger stripe photo database (Camera Trap), which has been continuously collected and studied for over 30 years, allowing precise identification of unique tiger stripe patterns, they confirmed that the tiger involved was one of three male cubs of the tigress Apinya. This tiger family naturally inhabits and uses hunting routes covering approximately 40 square kilometers in the area.
Based on scientific behavioral analysis and wildlife instincts, it is believed the incident was a natural accident. The tiger cub is about 1 year 6 months old, an adolescent learning to hunt, exhibiting playful and curious behavior while beginning to forage independently. At the time, the official was lying flat on the ground, leading the cub to mistake him for natural prey and attack. Normally, if a tiger sees a standing human moving or making noise, it will be startled and flee immediately.
This behavior does not qualify as a "man-eating tiger" incident. Because there is no repeated aggressive behavior toward humans or selection of humans as primary prey. Furthermore, the tiger family continues to hunt within its usual territory, showing no signs of panic fleeing outside the area or causing disturbances to local residents.
Regarding future management measures, the Department has installed automatic camera traps to closely monitor the cub's behavior. If it hunts and catches natural prey normally, it will be allowed to live in its ecosystem. Plans also include fitting tracking devices to study long-term behavior. However, if repeated attacks on officials occur, immediate capture and scientific behavioral adjustment will be implemented.
Officials have been instructed to exercise the highest caution, avoiding opportunities for wildlife to approach them. They must avoid traveling or working alone and always have a partner. Living quarters must be secured and lighting increased in dark areas. Sleeping must occur inside safe buildings. Additionally, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary has announced a temporary closure of tourism and nature study activities until the tiger behavior monitoring and safety assessment are complete.
According to tiger population data estimating high survival rates (over 1 year old) in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, there are currently about 100 adult tigers in the system and approximately 30 cubs at risk. Tigers have also spread to adjacent forests such as Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary with around 40 individuals. The habitat capacity and prey availability in Huai Kha Khaeng remain sufficient to support the tiger population safely and appropriately.