PETCHABURI — 26 June 2026, A tourist has captured a rare photograph of a large leopard leaping back into the forest at Kaeng Krachan National Park, with the image quickly going viral and drawing praise from wildlife enthusiasts online.
Kaeng Krachan National Park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdee shared the remarkable photo on 26 June 2026, saying it was taken by tourist Nui Piwpholaphon while travelling along the road leading to Pha Noen Thung, near Stream 1, inside the park.
According to Mongkol, park officials reported that the tourist spotted the protected wild cat at close range while driving through the area. The leopard appeared calm and showed no signs of panic despite the nearby vehicle before gracefully leaping over roadside bushes and disappearing back into the dense forest.
“The sighting of a leopard in this area is an important indicator of the rich biodiversity of Kaeng Krachan Forest,” Mongkol said.
“Since the forest was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wildlife has been appearing more frequently because the ecosystem remains healthy, with abundant food sources and minimal disturbance.”
The park chief also reminded visitors to follow wildlife safety guidelines if they encounter a leopard or black panther.
Tourists are advised not to sound their horns, leave their vehicles, shout, open windows, or leave engines running. Instead, they should remain inside their vehicles and wait quietly until the animal moves away to ensure the safety of both people and wildlife.
Kaeng Krachan Forest is one of Thailand’s most important habitats for leopards and black panthers. While park officials regularly record the animals using camera traps, sightings by visitors are uncommon.
Capturing a clear image of a leopard in mid-leap is considered especially rare, prompting widespread sharing of the photograph on social media and praise for park rangers’ efforts to protect the country’s largest national park and its wildlife.