Report Phuket Tiger Park Denies Attack and Rebuts Animal Cruelty Claims

[snoop1130]

Photo via Sidharth Shukla/X

 

The operators of a tiger park in Kathu, Phuket, have firmly denied allegations that an Indian tourist was attacked by a tiger at their venue. They have also rebutted accusations of animal cruelty following reports of a mauling incident during a selfie attempt.

 

Earlier, a video, now apparently deleted, went viral showing a man crouching beside a tiger that lunged at him. Despite attempts by a trainer to keep the animal restrained, the man reportedly sustained minor injuries, sparking debate over the ethical implications of human-tiger interactions in captivity.

 

This incident prompted People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to call for an immediate halt to such interactions at Phuket's Tiger Kingdom. PETA referred to the aggressive behaviour shown in the video as evidence of the dangers posed by these encounters. They accused the facility of keeping both adult and cub tigers in captivity, forcing them into photo sessions with visitors, and alleged that staff used batons to coerce the animals.

 

Jason Baker, PETA's Senior Vice President, highlighted these concerns, asserting that wild animals should not be confined or made to perform. He urged for the relocation of the affected tiger to a sanctuary, offering PETA's assistance in the process.

 

Contradictorily, Pornrawee Samakthai, Managing Director of Tiger Kingdom, declared that the purported incident did not involve their facility. According to her, the video was not shot at their Phuket location or any affiliated branch, but rather in Si Racha, Chon Buri. She underscored the organisation’s dedication to ensuring animal welfare and safety for visitors, noting that tigers in their care are neither chained nor forcibly restrained. Interactions are overseen by expert handlers, and no serious incidents have occurred since the brand's launch.

 

Pornrawee also addressed the emotional toll of the misreporting, asserting that the misleading associations with their brand have adversely impacted their reputation. She stressed that at Tiger Park and Tiger Kingdom, animals are not subjected to pressure to entertain, follow a specific diet, or alter their natural behaviours. Comprehensive safety protocols and animal care practices are in place as a standard.

 

The management’s rigorous response aims to clarify their stance and separate Tiger Kingdom from the controversy, reiterating their commitment to responsible tourism and animal ethics.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-03

 

 

[KhunLA]

I'm sure it never happened ... 

 

 

[roo860]

 

Did he end up in a Korma?😅😅

 

Bit of good news concerning Phuket👌

[blaze master]

4 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I'm sure it never happened ... 

 

 

 

Awesome he deserves every bit of pain.