The death of two forest rangers following a gun battle with tiger hunters in the eastern section of Tak’s Thungyai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary on Sept 12, forced the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to boost forest patrols and upgrade its firearm arsenal.
The department is discussing the issue of borrowing and buying new firearms for forest rangers with the army. Park rangers are currently issued with Heckler and Koch firearms and shotguns, and some are 30-years-old.
In contrast, the wildlife poachers who clashed with the park rangers on Sept 12 were armed with AK-47 assault rifles and carbine automatic rifles.
One hunter was shot dead during the gunfight. Two were arrested and two more remain at large and are believed to be hiding near Bangkok.
Since 2009, 42 forest rangers have been killed on duty and 48 others injured, reported the Bangkok Post.
