General
Authorities Order Capture of Tigers Near Huai Kha Khaeng Following Fatal Attack
The Department of National Parks has initiated an operation to identify and capture tigers near the site of a fatal wildlife attack on a park official.
On August 5, 2026, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced that Director-General Athapol Charoensunthorn has ordered a team of wildlife experts to capture tigers in the vicinity of the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary headquarters. This action follows the death of Sakarin Wichajarn, a government employee who was killed in a wildlife attack within the sanctuary.
According to the DNP, the objective is to collect DNA samples from the tigers in the area—estimated to be no more than five individuals—and compare them with fur samples recovered from the scene of the incident. The department stated that this process is intended to identify the specific animal involved, allowing researchers to study its behavior and implement measures to prevent future tragedies. Officials have emphasized that the operation is focused on identification and research, explicitly stating that the tigers will not be harmed during this process.
For residents and visitors, the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary has been temporarily closed to the public. While the investigation is ongoing, the exact circumstances of the attack remain a subject of analysis, with reports noting a lack of struggle at the scene. Further confirmation regarding the identity of the animal and the specific behavioral triggers behind the attack is expected as the DNA analysis proceeds.