Australian tourist mauled by Phuket tiger

PHUKET: An Australian tourist was mauled by a tiger at Phuket’s Tiger Kingdom yesterday afternoon, Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiwong confirmed to the Phuket Gazette today.

The tiger attacked Paul Goudie, 49, after he climbed into the cage with the animal at about 1pm to have his photograph taken.

Mr Goudie was taken to Phuket International Hospital for treatment. He received 29 stitches in his leg.

Mr Goudie remains under observation.

“I visited Tiger Kingdom today and found that all the ownership documents for the tigers are in order. However, we will be reviewing their safety procedures,” Mr Sayan said. “This should not have happened. We must ensure that an incident like this does not occur again.”

— Natthaphol Wittayarungrote