Indian Tourist Mauled by Tiger in Phuket Sparks Global Outcry Over Wildlife Tourism Ethics

In a shocking incident that has reignited global debate over wildlife tourism, an Indian man was mauled by a tiger at the popular Tiger Kingdom in Phuket, Thailand. The tourist sustained injuries after attempting to take a selfie with the animal—an act that quickly turned into a horrifying ordeal.

A video of the attack, which has since gone viral on the social media platform X, shows the tourist holding the tiger’s chain while posing for a photograph. In a terrifying instant, the tiger pounces on the man, throwing the entire area into chaos. Caretakers are seen rushing to intervene—one even trying to calm the animal with a stick—but the chilling screams in the background highlight the gravity of the situation.

Watch The Incident Viral Video Here on X

While the tourist’s injuries are reportedly non-life-threatening, the incident has triggered a wave of concern and criticism across social media. Many users expressed sympathy for the victim while questioning the ethics and safety of such attractions that allow close human interaction with wild animals.

Tiger Kingdom markets itself as a hands-on wildlife experience, claiming to train tigers through positive reinforcement. Unlike some other similar parks, the facility states its animals are not sedated, declawed, or defanged—claims that have drawn increased scrutiny from animal rights advocates.

This is not the first time Tiger Kingdom has faced backlash. In 2014, an Australian tourist was severely injured in a similar attack, leading to a temporary closure of one of the park’s enclosures. Despite previous safety concerns, the facility maintains a steady influx of visitors each year.

The latest attack also comes in the wake of a fatal tiger encounter in India’s Madhya Pradesh last month, where a farmer was killed in the Balaghat district. Together, the two incidents underscore the risks inherent in both wild and captive tiger interactions.

Animal welfare organizations have long cautioned against using wild animals for entertainment purposes. They argue that such practices compromise animal well-being and put human lives at risk. According to experts, repeated human contact can stress tigers and make their behavior unpredictable.

As this story garners international attention, calls are mounting for tighter regulations and more responsible wildlife tourism practices. Whether this incident will prompt a re-evaluation of Thailand’s tourism policies regarding wild animals remains uncertain—but the debate is now impossible to ignore.