Kaeng Krachan National Park Fines Tour Guide for Allowing Close-Up Photos of Black Panther

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

A tour guide has been fined 6,000 baht after allowing tourists to leave their vehicle and take close-up photographs of a black panther in Kaeng Krachan National Park, violating park safety regulations.

 

Mr Mongkol Chaiphakdee, Head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, confirmed the incident, which took place on 18 March at kilometre 20 on the Khao Panoen Thung route. Photos and video clips circulating on social media showed tourists outside their vehicle capturing images of the rare predator at dangerously close range.

 

 

Following an investigation, it was revealed that the tour guide, Mr Sermsuk, who operates a tourist transport service, had actively encouraged four photographers to step out of the vehicle to take pictures. He also invited tourists from other vehicles to do the same.

 

“Initially, the guide claimed that the tourists jumped out of the vehicle on their own and that he was unable to stop them,” said Mr Mongkol. “However, clear evidence from the videos and complaints submitted to the park’s official page proved that he was directly responsible for encouraging them to break the park’s rules.”

 

As a result, the tour guide was fined 5,000 baht under Section 20 for disobeying park authority orders and an additional 1,000 baht under Section 36(1) for failing to cooperate with the investigation, bringing the total fine to 6,000 baht.

 

Mr Mongkol also warned that if the same guide is found violating the rules again, the fine will increase to 20,000 baht for a second offence. A third violation will result in a maximum fine of 100,000 baht and a permanent revocation of his tour operator licence within the park.

Park officials reiterated that leaving vehicles to photograph wildlife is strictly prohibited due to the potential danger it poses to both tourists and animals. Such actions disturb the natural behaviour of wildlife and could lead to unpredictable and dangerous encounters.

 

“We urge all guides and visitors to respect the park’s regulations and prioritise safety. Our wildlife is a valuable national treasure that must be protected for future generations,” Mr Mongkol concluded.

-- 2025-03-22

 

 

[dddave]

What's amazing is that some twit didn't run over try to get a selfie with the big cat.  That would have been interesting.