An Indian tourist was attacked by a tiger at the popular Tiger Kingdom in Phuket, Thailand. The incident happened when the man tried to take a selfie with the chained tiger. A short video of the attack has gone viral on social media, raising serious concerns over safety and animal welfare at such tourist spots.
In the 25-second video, the man is seen walking beside the tiger and then kneeling to pose for a photo. A trainer nearby is seen using a stick to guide the tiger. Moments later, the tiger turns aggressive and lunges at the man. The man screams as the animal claws at him. The video ends with chaos, as bystanders react in panic.
The identity of the tourist remains unknown. People online claim the man survived with only minor injuries. The exact date of the incident is also not confirmed.
Sharing the video on X, a user wrote, “Apparently, an Indian man was 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.” The video of the tiger attack has gone viral, with more than three million views on X.
Apparently an Indian man attacked by a tiger in Thailand.
This is one of those paces where they keep tigers like pets and people can take selfies, feed them etc etc.#Indians #tigers #thailand #AnimalAbuse pic.twitter.com/7Scx5eOSB4
— Sidharth Shukla (@sidhshuk) May 29, 2025
Many users blamed the incident on poor safety rules. One person pointed out that “cats usually don’t like being touched near their lower back or tail,” and said the man repeatedly petted the tiger in that area before cupping it for the selfie.
Another viewer said, “That could have been me.” They warned that many tourists, especially from India, feel pressured into taking such photos during vacations in Thailand. Some demanded stricter controls at facilities that offer close contact with wild animals.
Apparently an Indian man attacked by a tiger in Thailand.
This is one of those paces where they keep tigers like pets and people can take selfies, feed them etc etc.#Indians #tigers #thailand #AnimalAbuse pic.twitter.com/7Scx5eOSB4
— Sidharth Shukla (@sidhshuk) May 29, 2025
The attack in Thailand comes just weeks after a man in Madhya Pradesh, India, was killed by a tiger. The man, Prakash Pane, was attacked while working on his farm near Kundwa village in Balaghat. Forest officials said the tiger had been seen roaming in the area for over a month.
Both incidents have sparked fresh debates on how humans interact with wild animals in both natural and controlled environments. While tourist attractions like Tiger Kingdom claim to offer safe, guided experiences, videos like this one raise doubts about how much control really exists when dealing with wild predators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can tourists touch tigers in Thailand?
Yes, in certain places like Tiger Kingdom, tourists are allowed to touch and take photos with tigers under supervision. These animals are usually trained, but they are still wild and unpredictable.
Q: What is Tiger Kingdom?
Tiger Kingdom is a tourist attraction in Phuket, Thailand, where visitors can interact with tigers. The facility keeps tigers in enclosures and allows close contact under staff supervision, often for photos or feeding.
Q: How safe are animal photo ops abroad?
Animal photo ops come with risks. Wild animals, even if trained, can act unpredictably. Incidents like the recent tiger attack highlight the danger. Tourists should always follow safety instructions and consider the ethical side of wildlife tourism.
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