Fact Check: Did an Indian man get attacked by a tiger while taking a selfie in Thailand?

Wildlife attractions that allow close interaction with predators like tigers should be approached with extreme caution

Claim: A viral video shows an Indian tourist being attacked by a tiger at a wildlife park in Thailand while taking a selfie.

Fact Check: True, but limited details are available about the man’s condition.

What’s the claim?

A video is circulating on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), showing a tourist—allegedly an Indian man—getting attacked by a tiger at an animal park in Thailand. The post claims the man was trying to pet the chained tiger while taking a selfie when the animal lunged at him, sparking online concern and outrage.

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

What the viral video shows

The video begins with three individuals walking together:

A tourist (reportedly Indian),
A chained tiger,
And a staff member appearing to be the tiger’s handler with a stick.

The man bends down and pets the tiger near its back and tail, likely for a photo. Suddenly, the tiger turns and attacks him. The footage becomes shaky, capturing screams and panic. While the clip ends abruptly, viewers can clearly sense the horror of the situation.

Where did this happen?

According to multiple social media users, the incident occurred at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket, Thailand—a tourist attraction that allows visitors to feed, walk, and pose with tigers. The facility has faced previous criticism for sedating tigers to make them appear tame.

What do we know about the man’s condition?

As of now, there is no official confirmation about the condition of the Indian tourist. No verified report from Thai authorities or Indian officials has been released, and the identity of the victim remains unconfirmed.

Online reactions

Netizens expressed anger and concern, questioning the ethics of such tourism practices. Some noted that:

Tigers are often drugged in these parks.
Petting wild animals is risky and unnatural.
Wildlife tourism should involve strict regulation and ethical practices.

One user commented:

“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.”

Another warned:

“Such reckless ventures can quickly become deadly. Responsible travel demands caution and respect for the untamed power of wildlife.”

Verdict: True, but full details are unavailable

Yes, an Indian man appears to have been attacked by a tiger in Thailand while attempting a selfie. However, no official update has been given on his identity or medical condition. The video is real and highlights the urgent need for responsible wildlife tourism practices.

Bottom Line

This incident is a stark reminder that wild animals are unpredictable. Wildlife attractions that allow close interaction with predators like tigers should be approached with extreme caution—or better yet, avoided. Authorities in both India and Thailand must investigate and review safety standards in such establishments.