Khon kaen: A Phu Wiang forest ranger sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh from a hunter while on patrol, raising concerns about deliberate targeting of officials rather than wildlife. Authorities are actively gathering evidence to prosecute the individual responsible for setting the trap.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident took place during a routine patrol in the Hin Lat Khwang area of Phu Wiang National Park. The SMART Patrol Unit 7 (Khun Dong) informed Mr. Sutham Wongchan, the chief of Phu Wiang National Park, that Mr. Nirut Phaophuwiang, a forest ranger and head of the Khun Dong patrol unit, was injured by a "tied gun" or "Chan Hao," a trap weapon. The chief immediately ordered the patrol unit to assist and evacuate Mr. Nirut from the challenging terrain, which took over three hours to navigate.
After successfully bringing Mr. Nirut down to the Si Chomphu District, coordination with the rescue unit led to his transfer to Chum Phae Hospital for urgent medical care. Doctors discovered a bullet lodged approximately 4 centimeters deep in his left thigh, necessitating surgical removal.
Post-incident analysis by the chief of Phu Wiang National Park revealed that the trap was set unusually high, at about 1 meter, with the gun pointed upwards. This setup is atypical for hunters targeting wild animals such as barking deer or wild boar, which usually involves traps set at around 40 centimeters. The placement at the entrance, rather than an animal path, suggests a deliberate attempt to harm officials.
The chief highlighted a related incident last month where a hunter, confronted by patrol officers, turned his gun on them before escaping. This connection heightens the suspicion that the same individual, who seemingly disregards legal consequences, is involved in both cases.
The chief further explained that the trap used was a homemade gun rigged with a rope or steel wire to fire automatically when triggered. This type of weapon poses significant danger to both wildlife and humans, potentially causing severe injuries or fatalities. A previous incident three years ago resulted in a hunter becoming disabled after being accidentally shot by his own trap.
Efforts are underway to gather forensic evidence, including fingerprints, from the gun's remains found at the scene. Preliminary information about the suspect is already in hand. The chief emphasized the seriousness of harming officials and urged anyone with information on forest and wildlife law violations to report through the 24-hour hotline 1362.