A new report alleging that the famous "Tiger Temple" in Kanchanaburi has been involved in the illegal wildlife trade for more than a decade is expected to increase pressure on Thai authorities to intervene.
Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno in Sai Yok district has been the focus of inquiries since three of its 147 captive tigers reportedly disappeared in late 2014. However, police investigations have made little progress and wildlife protection officials have conceded that the case is "very sensitive".
The Tiger Temple is estimated to generate about 100 million baht a year from tourists who visit by the busload to pet and feed tiger cubs, walk tigers on leashes and take selfies with the animals, according to National Geographic magazine, which this week released details of the new trafficking allegations.