Research Consultant: Analysis of Economic Landscape of Thailand’s Captive Tiger Facilities
Terms of Reference (TOR)
1. Background
In Thailand, captive tigers now outnumber those in the wild, with more than 1,900 individuals held across at least 50 licensed facilities, many operating as tourist attractions. Although legal, several facilities have been linked to illegal trade in tigers and their parts, and even those not directly implicated contribute little to conservation. Captive-bred tigers are generally unsuitable for reintroduction and may instead perpetuate demand for tiger products by normalizing their use and confusing the public, potentially increasing poaching pressure on wild populations. Animal welfare concerns are also widespread, including inadequate living conditions and exploitative visitor interactions, yet public perceptions of these facilities remain mixed.
Recent evidence highlights the urgency of addressing this issue. TRAFFIC’s Skin and Bones report shows that illegal tiger trade remains at near-record levels, with Thailand among the leading countries for whole tiger seizures in recent years. At the same time, a 2024 study found significant welfare concerns in 67% of Thailand’s captive tiger facilities, indicating systemic failures in captive breeding and tourism models. Despite mounting pressure from CITES to curb captive populations and prevent commercial breeding and illegal leakage, Thailand lacks comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of the sector. This research aims to fill that gap by examining the scale, economics, welfare outcomes, and trade risks associated with captive tiger facilities, generating evidence to support stronger regulation, enforcement, and conservation-aligned reforms; detailed research findings will be provided on request.
2. Scope of Work
The study will map the current landscape of captive tiger facilities in Thailand, identifying facilities of concern through a structured risk assessment framework. Facilities will be classified based on factors including cub presence and turnover, breeding intensity, use of colour morphs or hybrids, animal–visitor interaction models, welfare indicators, and proximity to known trafficking routes. The study will also identify facilities associated with known or suspected enforcement cases and assess animal welfare conditions and conservation education messaging using standardized scoring systems, supported by quantitative data where available.
In addition, the research will document exploitative practices within captive tiger facilities and evaluate their impacts on tiger welfare and conservation outcomes. A comparative analysis of facility business models will examine marketing strategies, revenue streams (such as ticketing, photo opportunities, cub handling, and merchandise), cost structures, and profit incentives linked to cub production and visitor interactions. The study will further analyze conservation messaging for consistency with conservation realities and CITES principles, and provide a legislative gap analysis outlining reform options related to registration, traceability, reporting, penalties, enforcement consistency, and alignment with relevant CITES resolutions.
3. Methodology
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach using quantitative and qualitative data, including:
- Desk based research and field research as needed to collect data
- In-depth interviews (formal and informal) with key actors in the captive tiger industry
4. Deliverables
- Research Report
A synthesized report on captive tiger facilities in Thailand, outlining conservation realities, welfare concerns, economic drivers, and CITES alignment, detailed mapping and risk classification of captive tiger facilities, including welfare, breeding, and trade risk indicators.
- Policy & Advocacy Brief
A concise, decision-maker–focused brief summarizing key findings and recommended policy and regulatory reforms.
5. Project Duration
January – April 2026
6. Budget
THB 300,000 7% VAT
7. Terms and Conditions
WWF Thailand reserves the right to consider, select, or cancel this announcement without prior notice.
The organization also reserves the right to select a bidder without being obligated to choose the lowest priced offer.
The decision of the project shall be final.
8. Submission of proposals
Interested applicants are requested to submit their proposals by February 14 2026 at 12.00 (Thailand Time)
Please send proposals to Dr Penthai Siriwat (penthais@wwf.or.th) Cc. procurement@wwf.or.th
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