A tiger has been confirmed in the Doi Inthanon area after three cows were found killed in Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai, prompting authorities to ban entry into nearby forest areas. Officials said the animal attacked livestock in Ban Mae Pa Ko, Ban Luang subdistrict and warned residents not to enter the forest under any circumstances. Drones and veterinary teams have been deployed to locate the tiger as a matter of urgency.
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On 24 February 2026, Krissayam Kongsatri, director of the 16th Protected Areas Regional Office, revealed that an inspection of the scene uncovered some paw prints measuring 6–7 centimetres and the carcasses of three cows with bite wounds to the neck. He confirmed the attacks were carried out by a tiger. The discovery followed reports from the village headman, who said that on 22 February 2026 a large tiger, was seen walking along a cattle trail at a distance of about 30 metres.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin
On 23 February 2026, two cow carcasses were found, with a third discovered the following day. Authorities described the presence of a tiger in the area as highly unusual, noting that Doi Inthanon National Park has no prior record of wild tigers occurring within its boundaries.
Officials have also checked nearby tiger-holding facilities in Doi Lo district, Chiang Mai and the Chiang Mai Night Safari, confirming that no animals have escaped. Pornarin Khumthong, director of the Wildlife Conservation Division, inspected the Momchao Ying Rangsi Nophadol Yugala Wildlife Breeding Centre in Doi Lo, where seven registered tigers are kept, and confirmed all seven remain securely in their enclosures. In Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces, only two individuals are registered as tiger owners, with the other located in Mae Taeng district, Chiang Mai.

In response, the 16th Protected Areas Regional Office has ordered aerial drone surveillance to pinpoint the tiger’s location and dispatched veterinary and monitoring teams to the site. Doi Inthanon National Park officials are assisting villagers in moving livestock into secure pens and have issued public warnings to avoid forested areas.
Amarin reported that authorities cautioned that a tiger roaming outside its original habitat may be under stress and particularly aggressive, posing a potential threat to human life. Residents have been urged to report any unusual sightings to officials immediately. Investigations and monitoring operations are ongoing as teams work to track and contain the animal while ensuring public safety.
Key Takeaways
• Officials confirmed a tiger killed three cows in Ban Mae Pa Ko, Chiang Mai, between 22 and 24 February 2026.
• Paw prints measuring 6–7 centimetres and neck bite marks on the carcasses verified the predator as a tiger.
• Authorities have banned forest access and deployed drones and veterinary teams to locate the animal.
Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 25 Feb 2026
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