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Lions Kill Zoo Staff in Fatal Bangkok Attack

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Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A zoo employee in Ram Intra area of Bangkok was fatally attacked by a group of lions on 10 September, in an incident that lasted approximately 15 minutes. Witnesses, including tourists, attempted to intervene by honking car horns and shouting for help, but were unable to stop the animals.

 

The incident occurred around 11:00, when the staff member, identified as former surgeon Col. Dr. Thawatchai Kanchanarin, exited a vehicle and was approached from behind by one lion. The lion grabbed him and dragged him to the ground before biting him, and within minutes, four additional lions joined the attack, inflicting severe injuries.


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At the time, the area was crowded with both Thai and international visitors. Eyewitnesses reported confusion as the victim was believed to be familiar with the lions, potentially leading people to assume the animals would not act aggressively. Despite attempts to scare the lions away, the attack continued for around 15 minutes.

 

Zoo staff eventually intervened and transported the injured employee to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released further details regarding safety measures or the response procedures following the attack.

 

Authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the attack. Meanwhile, the zoo may review its safety procedures and enclosure designs to prevent similar tragedies.

 

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A Bangkok zoo employee was fatally attacked by lions during a 15-minute incident.

• Witnesses attempted to intervene but could not stop the attack.

• Authorities and zoo management are reviewing safety protocols following the tragedy.

 

Related story links:

 

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More Thailand news stories

 

 

 

image.png  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-10

 

 

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Maybe he didn´t give them dinner the day before.

Name of the zoo? Presumably, 'Safari World'.

  • Popular Post
55 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Maybe he didn´t give them dinner the day before.

Have some respect!!!

  • Author

UPDATE
Safari World Worker Killed in Lion Attack in Bangkok

 

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Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A senior zookeeper at Safari World in Bangkok was fatally attacked by a group of lions on 10 September, shocking staff and visitors. The 58-year-old man, a supervisor with decades of experience, was mauled in front of tourists while working in the enclosure. The incident has prompted an immediate investigation into zoo safety protocols.

 

Police Colonel Niruchphon Yothamat, superintendent of Khan Na Yao Police Station, confirmed the victim had worked at the zoo for over 20 years and was responsible for managing dangerous animals. Initial findings showed the car door was left open, with shoes found nearby, though staff normally remain inside vehicles with engines running while monitoring the lions. The officer said testimony from colleagues and witnesses would be key to establishing what happened.

 

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Zoo officials explained that the man’s assigned partner had been away briefly to attend to another task when the attack occurred. They stressed the park’s strict rule prohibiting both staff and visitors from leaving vehicles in predator zones. Witnesses reported hearing a car horn during the incident, after which other staff rushed in to help, though the attack had already left the worker with fatal injuries.

 

Colleagues described the victim as calm, experienced and respected, with only two years remaining before retirement. They noted that Safari World enforces 23 workplace rules, including bans on alcohol and that safety measures are reviewed daily due to the risks of handling dangerous animals. The zoo stated it had never experienced such an incident in its 40 years of operation.


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Forensic officers have been deployed to examine the scene, and the park remained closed on 10 September as investigations continued. Officials emphasised that the facility holds proper licences for all 32 lions in its care, of which five were involved in the attack. Each lion is named and most originate from Africa.

 

Safari World management reiterated that while interactive activities with dangerous animals are offered, safety precautions are comprehensive and continuously enforced. They said the attack came as a shock given the zoo’s long-standing record and pledged to review all protocols to understand how the incident occurred and prevent recurrence.

 


Key Takeaways

 

• A 58-year-old Safari World supervisor was killed by lions on 10 September.

• The victim, with 20 years’ experience, was due to retire in two years.

• Zoo officials pledged to review strict safety measures after the rare incident.

 

 

image.png  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-10

 

 

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1 hour ago, bdenner said:

Have some respect!!!

Yeah, I will have that when respect is shown to the animals, and people don´t take them away from their natural environment. it´s a reason why it´s called wild animals.

2 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Maybe he didn´t give them dinner the day before.

He probably wasn’t wearing the appropriate amulet!

This is the type of pride' you don't mess with here ended the lesson 🤔

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being eaten alive by a pack of lions.

is there anything more scary than that? 

 

 

  • Popular Post
12 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Yeah, I will have that when respect is shown to the animals, and people don´t take them away from their natural environment. it´s a reason why it´s called wild animals.

 

So you're saying he deserved it? 

 

10 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

being eaten alive by a pack of lions.

is there anything more scary than that? 

 

 

A pack of Zombies  might be worse  but both would be terrifying !

  • Popular Post

A flame post removed.

 

@bdenner rule 9. You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages. You will respect other members and post in a civil manner. Personal attacks, insults or hate speech posted on the  forum or sent by private message are not allowed.

 

Plus a troll post @Stiddle Mump this is the news section.

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THailand has a dreadful record  when it comes to captive wildlife - they simply don't subscribe to modern thinking on the matter

Why were thre no other employees with some form of gun.traquilisers etc?

58 minutes ago, Stiddle Mump said:

ladywalksloin.png.2a4bbd378b59bb6a77c67460edcc992c.png

So, what is that supposed to mean. That one picture was taken when it worked. maybe she has been eaten already.

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

the staff member, identified as former surgeon Col. Dr. Thawatchai Kanchanarin, exited a vehicle and was approached from behind by one lion.

 

Suicide?

54 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

So, what is that supposed to mean. That one picture was taken when it worked. maybe she has been eaten already.

Respect animals and they will respect you in turn.

 

ladywalksloin600.png.e70047a0563de6d94d7f9427bd29f9b3.png

  • Popular Post
18 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Eyewitnesses reported confusion as the victim was believed to be familiar with the lions, potentially leading people to assume the animals would not act aggressively.

Lions do what lions do... stay in the vehicle.

9 hours ago, Stiddle Mump said:

Respect animals and they will respect you in turn.

 

ladywalksloin600.png.e70047a0563de6d94d7f9427bd29f9b3.png

Sure, they will. But, that only goes for domesticated animals. Tigers, lions etc. does not belong there.

Just now, Gottfrid said:

Sure, they will. But, that only goes for domesticated animals. Tigers, lions etc. does not belong there.

Indeed!

 

The lady in the pic with the lion looks to have him under control. Perhaps she brought him up as a cub.

  • Popular Post
2 minutes ago, Stiddle Mump said:

Indeed!

 

The lady in the pic with the lion looks to have him under control. Perhaps she brought him up as a cub.

Might be, but that does not guarantee any safety.

How horrible.  How sad.  condolences mr zookeeper.

 

Sorry all those people witnessed it.

The Zoo staff were a bit slow to respond or not patrolling adequately.

15 mins is ample time for a pack of lions to finish a meal

The story says he was mauled, not eaten. Bad enough he died.

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These on-lookers were in vehicles right? Run those cats over or at least try and scare them with their vehicles? 🙄

RIP, pretty sure he established a bond that would allow him to interact with little risk.  Unfortunately for whatever reason something went seriously wrong 

 

Even at Tiger Kingdom I'm scouting the exit and how close the fat guy is, every man for himself.

 

I know the guys keep bear pepper spray and a pistol strapped to their leg.  If he's alone not going to help when one jumps him from behind.

12 hours ago, kwilco said:

THailand has a dreadful record  when it comes to captive wildlife - they simply don't subscribe to modern thinking on the matter

Why were thre no other employees with some form of gun.traquilisers etc?

By the time a tranquillizer worked the guy's head would have been crushed, as for guns.

Great idea while there are visitors close by.

How many would be shot, Annie Oakley don't work there

Rule 1 . Stay in the vehicle 

Rule 2 . See rule 1 🙄 

 

These vehicles aren't fit for entering a place with lions . A lion could easily smash one of the windows in these tins and quite probably slice it open to a degree with its claws.

Very tragic indeed. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the frineds and associatres of the deceased.

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