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A video from a wildlife attraction in Thailand has gone viral, showing a shocking moment that’s now making headlines. In the clip, an Indian tourist is seen being attacked by a tiger while trying to take a selfie inside the animal’s enclosure at a popular tourist spot in Phuket.
The incident has sparked concern among viewers and raised serious questions about the safety and ethics of allowing close interactions with wild animals.
Attempt to click a photo ends in chaos
According to a report by ET, the incident happened at Tiger Kingdom, a facility where visitors are allowed to enter enclosures and interact closely with tigers. In the viral video, the tourist is seen walking next to a fully grown tiger. As he bends down to take a photo, a staff member tries to get the tiger to sit using a stick.
But within moments, the tiger suddenly becomes aggressive and attacks the man, causing panic at the scene.The video was posted on X (formerly Twitter) on May 29 by user @sidhshuk with the caption: “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.”
Social media flooded with reactions
The video quickly gained traction online, racking up over 1.4 million views within just a few hours.
Thousands of people have commented, with most expressing concern for the tourist’s safety. The question on everyone’s mind: “Is he alive?” So far, there has been no official update on the man's condition or identity.
Netizens analyse the tiger’s reaction
Several users offered their own observations and theories about what may have triggered the animal. One user wrote, “Cats generally do not like being petted on the lower (back) body especially near butts.
This man was petting the tiger continuously near the above-mentioned body area, which must have frustrated the tiger. The final straw was when the man cupped it for a photo.”Another viewer suggested that the animal could have misinterpreted the tourist’s posture. “Eye contact, kneeling down to tiger level like challenging him, and I feel the trigger point is when this guy touched the tiger's belly, which is the most sensitive part of them, and just like the cats, they won't allow a stranger to touch it.”
Past visitors share concerns
Some users who have previously visited the same facility shared their own discomfort. A user named Ummrit commented, “Been there. It's Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. They sedate the tigers just enough that they don't have the will to attack. Always feared this could happen.” This reflects a concern long raised by animal rights advocates, who have often questioned how big cats are treated at attractions like these.
Online anger over use of wild animals for tourism
The incident has sparked fresh debate, with many using it to highlight a bigger concern– the exploitation of wild animals for human entertainment.
The video has brought renewed criticism of these facilities, with strong calls from many urging a complete ban on such close-up animal interactions.One user, Karnik Shah, commented bluntly: “Glad the tiger got a good meal. Hopefully, this forces the authorities to crack down on these places. It's plain cruelty.”
Debate over wildlife in captivity intensifies
Attractions like Tiger Kingdom are often promoted as “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences, but this incident has served as a reminder that wild animals can’t be fully controlled– and that forced interactions can turn dangerous.There is now a growing demand for stricter rules and oversight in the animal tourism industry, especially at places that allow close contact for photos and quick thrills. As of now, neither the Thai authorities nor the facility has issued an official response.
The video has left many viewers questioning: Is chasing the perfect selfie worth risking both human lives and the well-being of wild animals?