Forest Ranger Shot by Booby Trap Gun in Phu Wiang National Park

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

A forest ranger has been injured after triggering a homemade booby trap gun while on patrol deep within Phu Wiang National Park in Khon Kaen province. Authorities suspect the trap was deliberately set to target officials by a notorious poacher previously encountered in the same area.

The incident occurred on 13 July during a routine patrol by Patrol Unit 7 (Khun Dong team). Mr. Nirut Phaophiwiang, a government-employed forest protection officer and team leader, was shot in the upper left thigh by a concealed firearm trap, known locally as a “phuen phook” or improvised spring gun, while patrolling near Hin Lat Khwang, a remote, steep terrain within the park.

Following the shooting, patrol members immediately began an emergency evacuation that took over three hours due to the rough and mountainous landscape. Mr. Nirut was eventually transported to Chum Phae Hospital, where doctors confirmed the bullet had lodged approximately four centimetres deep in his thigh but had not struck bone. Surgery was carried out to remove the projectile.

Mr. Sutham Wongchan, Head of Phu Wiang National Park, stated that the positioning and installation of the trap strongly suggest malicious intent. Unlike traditional traps aimed at wildlife, typically set around 40 cm off the ground along known animal trails, this device was mounted about one metre high and aimed upward, and placed along a human trail rather than a wildlife path. Authorities believe the trap was set to injure or kill park officers rather than animals.

Suspicion has fallen on a known poacher who narrowly escaped arrest last month in the same vicinity. During that earlier incident, the suspect reportedly aimed a firearm at rangers before fleeing. Given the proximity and nature of both incidents, authorities suspect it is the same individual.

The weapon used is a crude yet deadly spring gun, commonly assembled using ropes or cables tied to a trigger mechanism. Once tripped, the gun fires. These devices are highly dangerous not only to wildlife but also to humans, with previous cases resulting in permanent disability, even for the poachers themselves. In one past incident in the park, a hunter inadvertently triggered his own trap and was left permanently disabled.

Rangers have since recovered components of the device and will send them for forensic examination, including fingerprint analysis. Investigations are underway to gather further evidence and build a case against the perpetrator. Authorities have already identified a prime suspect and are working to locate him.

Mr. Sutham issued a stern warning to anyone involved in illegal poaching and the setting of deadly traps: “There will be no leniency. Anyone found to have intentionally endangered park officials will face severe legal consequences.” He also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities relating to wildlife crimes via the 24-hour hotline.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-15