wat pha ta bua in thailand 's western kanchanaburi province - commonly known as ` the tiger temple ' - has long proved a hit among tourists who flock there to visit the monks and be photographed next to their feline .
however , thai wildlife officials began a headcount on friday after allegations from a temple vet earlier this week who complained to police that three tigers had recently disappeared from the sanctuary , sparking fears they may have been sold on .