The operators of the Tiger Kingdom attractions in Thailand say they do not chain their animals, which have been bred in captivity and are comfortable around humans. The privately run Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has barred all non‑authorised entry and begun facility‑wide disinfection while laboratory tests are conducted on the tiger carcasses sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University, according to provincial livestock officials. Kritsayarm Kongsatri, director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 16 (Chiang Mai), said he had received reports of a large number of tiger deaths — around 70 — at the popular tiger park. The Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office is overseeing the formal investigation, he said, while the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation would dispatch a team to observe and support. Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai is operated by Khum Sue Trakarn Co Ltd, which also manages Tiger Kingdom Phuket and three Tiger Park attractions — two in Phuket and one in Pattaya.

Source: Bangkok Post February 20, 2026 19:56 UTC