Thailand named as champion of wild tiger conservation in Southeast Asia

Thailand was named the “Champion of Tiger Conservation in Southeast Asia” at the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conservation conference, recently held in Paro, Bhutan. The Thai government has funded tiger conservation and worked with experts, with an aim to become a leader in Southeast Asia by 2034.

This recognition is a result of the remarkable surge in the royal tiger population in Thailand. In 2024, the population of mature royal tigers is estimated between 179 and 223, an increase of approximately 148-149 royal tigers from 2022. The growth in the number of royal tigers in Thailand can be traced back to the implementation of Thailand’s first national operation plan for royal tiger conservation (2010-2022), in which efforts were dedicated to the study, research, and restoration of the royal tiger population, as well as managing their habitat and prey. The second national operation plan (2022-2034) has set three primary targets: (1) strengthening protection standards in Thailand’s Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM), (2) improving the capacity to monitor the royal tiger population in the Dong Phrayayen – Khao Yai Forest Complex, and (3) increasing the royal tiger population in the Kaeng Krachan, Phu Khieo – Nam Nao, and Khlong Saeng – Khao Sok forest complexes.

The Royal Tiger (Panthera tigris) is a mammal in the Felidae family. They are generally solitary and usually hunt at night. Their prey includes deer, guar, Fea’s barking deer, and wild boar. The number of the royal tigers in a forest is also considered an indication of the abundance and diversity of nature. (PRD)