Thailand park ranger shot dead by hunter who mistook him for wild boar in national park

A hunter in Thailand mistook a park ranger for a wild boar and fatally shot the ranger on May 12.

The deceased, Kritsiri Pinprayun, and two other rangers were patrolling in Khao Nan National Park at about 10pm that night.

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation chief Autthapol Charoenchansa said on May 13 that the three had split ways with each holding a torch, Bangkok Post reported.

According to Khaosod Online, the 30-year-old was shot in the head and neck.

Fatally shot

One of the rangers heard a gunshot and tried to contact the other two via their radio but Kritsiri did not respond.

He was later found shot dead.

A local hunter later admitted to authorities that he had fired the shot after mistaking Kritsiri for a wild boar.

He explained that he was on a hammock hung between two trees at the time.

The deceased's family has been informed and assistance is being provided to them, Autthapol shared.

Investigations are ongoing.

Top photo via ร่วมใจท่าศาลา ประชาสัมพันธ์/Facebook