Thailand is one of the few Southeast Asian nations where wild tigers still roam, serving as a refuge for the species in a region where populations have largely collapsed. The country’s dense, protected forest landscapes provide a viable habitat for these large predators, making it a globally significant location for their continued survival. Thailand’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage has allowed a small but resilient population to persist.
The Indochinese Tiger in Thailand
The subspecies found in Thailand is the Indochinese tiger, scientifically named Panthera tigris corbetti. This subspecies is physically adapted to the tropical and subtropical forests of its range. Indochinese tigers are generally smaller than their northern relatives, like the Siberian or Bengal tigers, with males typically weighing up to 195 kilograms.
Their coat coloration tends to be darker, featuring narrower and more numerous black stripes, which aids in camouflage within the dense forest undergrowth. Historically, this cat roamed across a vast territory that included Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of southern China.
Today, the Indochinese tiger’s range is severely fragmented, with Thailand and Myanmar holding the only known breeding populations. The subspecies is now listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Geographic Strongholds and Habitats
The existence of a tiger population in Thailand is directly tied to the vast, contiguous protected areas in the western part of the country. The most important area is the Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM), a network of 17 interconnected protected zones spanning over 18,000 square kilometers along the border with Myanmar. This complex represents the largest remaining forest tract in mainland Southeast Asia.
The core of WEFCOM, which provides the primary source population, includes the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. Tigers thrive in the complex’s varied ecosystems, which consist of tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, mixed deciduous forests, and dry evergreen forests. These habitats support the diverse prey base necessary for the apex predator’s survival. The connectivity of these protected areas allows tigers to disperse and maintain genetic diversity by moving between the Thai and Burmese sides of the border.
Current Population Status and Key Threats
Thailand has shown success in tiger conservation, with the national wild population showing promising signs of recovery. As of the most recent estimates released by the Royal Thai Government in 2024, the total wild tiger population is estimated to be between 179 and 223 individuals. This marks a significant increase from previous estimates, making Thailand a leader in tiger recovery within Southeast Asia. Despite this positive trend, the population remains fragile and faces two major threats.
Illegal Wildlife Trade and Poaching
The first major threat is the illegal wildlife trade, fueled by poaching for tiger parts used in traditional medicine and luxury goods. This threat is compounded by the “snaring crisis,” where poachers place thousands of wire or cable snares indiscriminately to catch wild animals. While often targeting deer or wild boar, these snares frequently injure or kill tigers, leading to the depletion of both the predator and its prey species, such as sambar deer and banteng.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
The second primary threat is the loss and fragmentation of the tiger’s habitat. Although large tracts of land are protected, linear infrastructure projects, such as roads and railways, cut through forested areas. This fragmentation isolates tiger populations, preventing genetic exchange and increasing the risk of inbreeding. The encroaching development also leads to human-wildlife conflict as tigers are pushed to the edges of protected areas in search of prey.
National Conservation Strategies
The Thai government, through the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), has implemented targeted, technology-driven strategies to secure the future of its tigers. A cornerstone of this effort is the national adoption of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) patrol system. This system equips rangers with GPS and mobile technology to collect and map data on wildlife sightings, patrol routes, and illegal activities, making anti-poaching efforts proactive and intelligence-led.
Conservation efforts also focus on increasing the tiger’s natural food source to support population growth. Programs have been initiated to restore and augment prey populations, including the reintroduction of species like sambar deer into protected tiger landscapes.
The government and non-governmental organizations are actively working to maintain and expand wildlife corridors, such as the Si Sawat Corridor, which link core breeding areas. These corridors are essential to facilitate the movement of young, dispersing tigers into new habitats, helping to expand the population’s range and genetic health. Community engagement with local groups, including the ethnic Karen people, is also a strategy to foster shared responsibility and provide sustainable livelihoods near protected zones.