Tiger suspected of mauling park ranger close to living quarters

PUBLISHED : 5 Aug 2026 at 11:05 A mat, a smartphone and a fallen electric fan were discovered at the living quarters of the park ranger on Wednesday morning. (Photos: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation) A park ranger was found mauled in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani province on Wednesday morning and officials assumed he was attacked by a tiger near his living quarters.The body of Sakarin Wichacharn, 48, was found near the Thap Salao stream in Lan Sak district. According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, officials had tried to locate Sakarin because he had been scheduled to help organise a youth camp. At his living quarters, officials found his phone and personal belongings, as well as traces of him being attacked by an animal and dragged from the place to the stream. The park ranger's body lay about 200 metres from the living quarters. There were also fresh tiger footprints near the body. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin expressed his condolences on the death and ordered officials concerned to investigate the incident and revise safety measures. The incident prompted the temporary closure of the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. The living quarters where Sakarin was attacked. A pool of blood and a piece of cloth were found near where the body was discovered. Suspected tiger footprint. Sakarin Wichacharn led a field trip for students at the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. (File photo)