A tiger attraction in Chiang Mai has closed for 14 days after a disease outbreak killed several tigers in its care. A temporary closure notice has been placed at the entrance to Tiger Kingkom in Mae Rim district, with no visitors permitted on site. The remaining approximately 40 tigers have been transferred around 30 kilometres away to a quarantine and care centre in Mae Taeng district.

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The closure was confirmed on 20 February 2026 following reports that multiple tigers had died from severe lung infections. Initial disease investigations indicate acute pulmonary infection, but officials have not yet confirmed the specific cause. All deceased animals were older tigers.

Chiang Mai livestock officials have conducted four rounds of disinfectant spraying across the entire facility. On the latest inspection, officers collected 600 swab samples throughout the premises to ensure safety before any reopening. Staff health checks have found no infections and all employees are reported to be in normal health.

A public relations officer for the facility said the 14-day closure is intended for cleaning and further disinfection. Employees have expressed sadness over the losses, particularly handlers who had closely cared for the deceased tigers for many years. The facility stated that all tigers have always been raised and trained to high standards.

Some of the relocated tigers in Mae Taeng have shown signs of illness and veterinary teams continue to monitor them closely. Officials from the Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office have said further details cannot yet be disclosed while the investigation continues.

Mr Pornarin Khumthong, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office at Protected Area Administration Office 16, confirmed that he had received reports of the situation. He said officials have been dispatched to inspect the site alongside provincial livestock authorities. The office is closely monitoring developments while awaiting the outcome of the disease investigation.

The attraction houses more than 40 tigers of various subspecies. Visitors are normally able to view, photograph and, in some cases, closely interact with certain tigers inside enclosures under the supervision of trained handlers.

ThaiRath reported that authorities will determine the exact cause of death following laboratory analysis. The facility will remain closed for 14 days pending the results of the investigation and completion of biosecurity measures.

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

Key Takeaways

• Tiger Kingkom in Mae Rim has closed for 14 days after several older tigers died from severe lung infections.

• Around 40 remaining tigers have been moved to a quarantine centre in Mae Taeng, with some showing mild illness.

• Officials have conducted 600 swab tests and multiple disinfection rounds while investigations continue.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thairath 21 Feb 2026

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Never such problems at the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi. Did such a private venue pay for the privilege?

2 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Never such problems at the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi. Did such a private venue pay for the privilege?

Virtually all the tigers from the temple are now dead.

UPDATE

Tiger Deaths Probe After 72 Die in Chiang Mai

At least 72 captive tigers have died following a canine distemper outbreak at two tourist tiger facilities in Chiang Mai. it was also suggested in might be feline distemper – so the info keeps changing.

The canine virus, commonly carried by dogs and easily preventable through cheap annual vaccination, reportedly spread rapidly through the confined population. The owner operates six tiger venues housing nearly 400 animals in total.

THe canine distemper vaccines cost only a few hundred baht, yet these facilities charge around 1,000 THB per tourist interaction. If such income is generated daily from each animal, why were basic preventative measures not in place? And why were hundreds of endangered big cats concentrated in conditions where disease could spread so catastrophically?

This incident highlights the inherent risks of intensive captive breeding operations linked to tourism. Thailand holds around 1,500 captive tigers across roughly 60 facilities. Large captive populations not only raise welfare concerns but also create opportunities for illegal wildlife trade, something international agreements such as CITES have repeatedly warned about.

Seventy-two dead tigers is not “bad luck". It is the predictable outcome of commercial wildlife exploitation.

Wild animals do not belong in entertainment venues. the authorities need to consider coming in line with international standards regarding the keeping of captive wildlife and putting welfare ahead of profit