Famous Tourist Destination in Thailand: Safari World Zoo

If you are planning a trip to Bangkok or looking for amazing places to visit in Thailand, you’ve probably heard of Safari World Bangkok. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. Families, travelers, and animal lovers all go there.

But yesterday, something tragic happened. A story that shocked visitors and reminded everyone why safety in animal parks matters.

The Incident That Shocked Bangkok

On Wednesday, September 10, at around 11:00 a.m., a zoo worker was killed after being attacked by lions inside the Safari World drive-through zone in Khannayao District, Bangkok.

The victim was Jian, a 58-year-old animal caretaker. He had been working with lions and tigers for 30 years.

According to police, Jian stepped out of his vehicle to pick up something he dropped. While bending down, with his back turned, a lion about 10 meters away attacked. The lion dragged him to the ground. Soon after, three to four other lions joined in.

The attack went on for 15 minutes.

 

Tourists in Shock

Tourists, both Thai and foreign, witnessed the entire scene from their vehicles. Many tried to help by honking horns and shouting, but the lions would not stop.

Some thought the lions were only “playing” with Jian. A veterinarian later explained that the lions were pre-adolescent. They were not fully mature. Their behavior looked playful but was actually dangerous.

This “play” turned fatal.

Medical Report

Doctors at Intararat Hospital confirmed that Jian’s organs were intact. The injuries came from bites and claw marks, especially on his neck, abdomen, and right leg.

His body was sent to the Police Hospital’s Forensic Institute for autopsy. After that, his family will hold religious ceremonies.

Official Response

Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, said he ordered officials to inspect Safari World immediately. The drive-through safari zone was closed, and all lions were locked in cages.

Safari World Park Manager, Yutthana Phitaktha, said the park has always followed strict safety measures. In 40 years of operation, nothing like this had ever happened before.

The safari has 32 lions, all with legal permits, mostly imported from Africa. Monthly safety checks had never shown any risk before this attack.

The Victim’s Story

Jian’s job was to drive inside the safari zone and keep animals within safe boundaries to protect tourists.

He was well-known among co-workers as calm and careful.

His wife, Ratanapa, was devastated. She said Jian loved his job, loved animals, and was preparing for retirement. Just two days earlier, they had talked about buying land to become farmers. “He was strong, calm, and never stressed,” she said.

Witness Statement

One witness, Colonel Dr. Thawatchai Kanchanarin, a former surgeon, explained what he saw. Jian got out of his vehicle and stood still for 2–3 minutes before the lions attacked. He did not scream or call for help.

At first, many visitors thought the lions were hugging him, not hurting him. That mistake delayed any rescue attempt.

A Safety Reminder for Tourists

Thailand is known worldwide for its amazing places – temples, beaches, shopping, and wildlife attractions. Safari World Bangkok is one of the top Bangkok tourist destinations. But this tragedy is a powerful reminder.

Wild animals are not toys. Even in well-managed parks, danger is always there.

Whenever you visit a safari, zoo, amusement park, or any place with risks – follow the rules. Stay alert. Never take shortcuts.

Jian’s death is a heartbreaking loss. It also sends a message to every traveler: safety comes first.

This news was first reported by Khaosod English

Related Images

[To see the Safari World Entrance, click here]

[Click to see lion feeding at safari world]

[Click to see police inspecting the incident scene at Safari World]

[Banner image attribution: Anil Kaushik, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons]