Park Ranger Shot Dead by Hunter in Nakhon Si Thammarat

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

A park ranger was fatally shot by a hunter in the Khao Nan National Park area on 12 May, with the gunman claiming he mistook the victim for a wild boar. The incident has stirred local fears of a supposed forest curse, following several similar fatal shootings in the region.

Police Lieutenant Sakdanan Duangyotha, an investigator at Tha Sala Police Station, received a report of a shooting in an oil palm plantation in Moo 4, Taling Chan subdistrict. Officers rushed to the scene and found the body of 30-year-old Mr. Krisasiri Pinprayoon, known as “Benz”, a forest protection officer with Khao Nan National Park.

The victim had been shot with multiple shotgun pellets, which had left his body riddled with wounds. Investigators noted that nearby rubber trees were also peppered with shotgun fire, with latex visibly leaking from the bark. A treehouse-style hunting blind and a hammock tied to the tree, were discovered nearby, believed to be the shooter’s perch.

Witnesses reported that Mr. Krisasiri had been leading a patrol through the area alongside other rangers when he was shot. It is suspected that the gunman, lying in wait for wild animals, fired upon seeing a light or movement, believing it to be game.

Police later apprehended the suspect, 37-year-old Mr. Manat, who was found in possession of a locally made long-barrelled shotgun. During questioning, Mr. Manat admitted he had been hunting from a tree blind when he saw a shadowy figure and fired, assuming it was a wild boar. Upon realising he had shot a person, he fled the scene but was later captured by authorities.

Police continue to investigate the case and have pledged to enforce stricter measures against illegal hunting in protected forest areas. Mr. Manat is expected to face charges of manslaughter and illegal possession and use of a firearm.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-05-14.