A forest ranger was fatally shot and two poachers were arrested in the Khao Khiao-Khao Chomphu Wildlife Sanctuary in Si Racha district of Thailand’s eastern province of Chon Buri on Thursday night.

Kongkiat Temtomnan, chief of the Protected Area Regional Office 2, said today (Saturday) that a group of forest rangers, on a routine patrol in Khao Takian So Rak, which is part of the sanctuary on Thursday night, came across a group of poachers and tried to arrest them.

The poachers opened fire at the rangers, who returned fire. One ranger was wounded but two of the poachers were arrested in possession of several animal carcasses, including a palm civet (Paradoxurus) and squirrels.

The ranger, who was shot in the forehead, was rushed to the nearest hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The two poachers in custody were handed over to Nong Kham police and charged with murder and illegal hunting in a protected area.