KAENG KRACHAN — A rare black panther was spotted walking along a road in Kaeng Krachan National Park during the New Year holiday, delighting tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed forest, park officials said.
The sighting occurred on Jan. 4, 2026, near kilometre marker 21 on the road leading up Phanoen Thung mountain, said Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park. The animal was photographed by a foreign tourist, and the images were later shared by park authorities.
The black panther, a protected species, was seen emerging from the forest and walking along the roadside for a short time before returning to the trees. Park officials said the animal may have come out in search of warmth, as temperatures in the forest have been unusually cool.
Mongkol said wildlife activity has increased in the park during the cooler season and urged visitors to exercise caution when encountering animals.
Tourists are advised to keep a safe distance, avoid approaching or disturbing wildlife, stop vehicles well away from animals and refrain from making loud noises. Feeding wild animals is strictly prohibited, as it can cause them to become accustomed to humans and lead to unpredictable behaviour, he said.