Indian Tourist Attacked by Tiger in Thailand, A Selfie Turns into a Nightmare
5 min read
June 1, 2025 | 10:04 PM IST
A seemingly thrilling photo opportunity turned into a terrifying ordeal for an Indian tourist at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket, Thailand, when a tiger attacked him while he attempted to take a selfie. The incident, captured in a 25-second video that went viral on X on May 29, 2025, has amassed over 2 million views and sparked a heated debate about the safety and ethics of wildlife tourism. The tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, sustained minor injuries, but the incident has raised serious questions about the risks of such attractions and the welfare of the animals involved.
Background: The Allure and Controversy of Tiger Kingdom
Tiger Kingdom in Phuket is a well-known tourist destination that offers visitors the chance to interact closely with tigers, including feeding, walking, and posing for photographs. Marketed as a unique experience, the facility allows tourists to enter enclosures with tigers under the supervision of trainers who often use sticks to manage the animals. While the park claims its tigers are well-trained and that safety is a priority, it has faced criticism from animal rights activists who argue that such attractions exploit wild animals, often keeping them in confined spaces or using sedation to make them appear docile.
Wildlife tourism, particularly in Thailand, has long been a contentious issue. Facilities like Tiger Kingdom attract thousands of visitors annually, including many Indian tourists seeking memorable experiences. However, incidents like this highlight the inherent dangers of treating wild animals as photo props and raise ethical concerns about their treatment. The debate centers on balancing tourist entertainment with animal welfare and visitor safety, a challenge that has yet to be fully addressed by the industry.
The Incident: A Moment of Panic
The viral video, posted by X user @sidhshuk, captures the chilling moment of the attack. The footage begins with the Indian tourist walking alongside a chained tiger, accompanied by a trainer holding a stick. The atmosphere appears calm as the tourist kneels to pose for a selfie, possibly petting the tiger in the process. Suddenly, the tiger lunges at him, triggering chaos. The video ends abruptly with screams and a shaky camera, leaving viewers in shock.
According to reports, the tourist sustained minor injuries, and a quick intervention by the trainer likely prevented a more severe outcome. The video, shared on May 29, 2025, quickly gained traction, amassing over 2 million views and thousands of likes within hours. The caption accompanying the post read, “Apparently an Indian man attacked by a tiger in Thailand. This is one of those places where they keep tigers like pets and people can take selfies, feed them etc etc.” (X Post).
Social Media Reactions: Concern and Outrage
The incident has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with netizens expressing both concern for the tourist and outrage over the risks of such attractions. One user commented, “My immediate reaction to this video was a chilling realization: that could have been me! This chilling video exposes a dangerous trend: many Indian tourists are lured into risky photo-ops with tigers in Thailand, often due to relentless peer pressure” (Times of India).
Another user offered insight into the tiger’s behavior, stating, “Cats generally do not like being petted on the lower (back) body, especially near butts. This man was petting the tiger continuously near that area, which must have frustrated the tiger. The final straw was when the man cupped it for a photo” (Hindustan Times). This observation suggests that the tourist’s actions may have inadvertently provoked the tiger, highlighting the need for better education about animal behavior for visitors.
Other comments called for stricter regulations and greater accountability. One user wrote, “Such reckless ventures can quickly become deadly, turning an exciting moment into a tragic end. Responsible travel demands caution and respect for the untamed power of wildlife” (The Economic Times). Another questioned, “Why did he poke the tiger with a stick?” mistakenly attributing the action to the tourist rather than the trainer (LiveMint).
Ethical Concerns: The Dark Side of Wildlife Tourism
The incident has reignited a broader debate about the ethics of wildlife tourism. Critics argue that facilities like Tiger Kingdom prioritize profit over animal welfare, subjecting tigers to unnatural environments and potentially harmful practices such as sedation. “Animals are animals,” one user noted. “Be good and kind to them, but don’t expect them to return the favor because they are animals” (NDTV).
Animal rights activists have long criticized such establishments, claiming that tigers are often sedated or mistreated to make them compliant around humans (Moneycontrol). When sedation wears off, the animals can become unpredictable, posing risks to both themselves and visitors. The incident underscores the need for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of tourists and the humane treatment of animals.
Lack of Official Response
As of June 1, 2025, neither Tiger Kingdom nor Thai authorities have issued an official statement regarding the incident or the tourist’s condition. This lack of transparency has fueled further criticism, with many calling for an investigation into the park’s safety protocols. Reports suggest that Tiger Kingdom emphasizes the training of its tigers and prioritizes visitor safety, but the absence of a formal response has left questions unanswered (The Logical Indian).
Safety Protocols at Tiger Kingdom: What We Know
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility | Tiger Kingdom, Phuket, Thailand |
| Activities Offered | Feeding, walking, and photographing tigers |
| Safety Measures | Trainers supervise interactions, often using sticks to control tigers |
| Criticisms | Alleged use of sedation, confined enclosures, and inadequate safety protocols |
| Incident Outcome | Tourist sustained minor injuries; no official statement from the park |
A Wake-Up Call for Tourists and Operators
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wild animals, even in controlled environments. While the Indian tourist was fortunate to escape with minor injuries, the video has prompted many to reconsider the risks of such attractions. For tourists, it underscores the importance of respecting animal boundaries and understanding the potential dangers of close interactions. For tourism operators, it highlights the need for robust safety measures and transparent communication in the wake of such incidents.
The viral video has also sparked a broader conversation about responsible tourism. As one user aptly stated, “Responsible travel demands caution and respect for the untamed power of wildlife” (The Economic Times). The incident at Tiger Kingdom is a call to action for both tourists and the tourism industry to prioritize safety and animal welfare over fleeting thrills.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Caution
The attack on the Indian tourist at Tiger Kingdom is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in wildlife tourism. While the allure of a selfie with a tiger may be tempting, the potential consequences are far too great to ignore. As the video continues to circulate, it has sparked a much-needed dialogue about the future of such attractions and the need for stricter regulations to protect both humans and animals.
