In a shocking incident that went viral on social media, Thai police have arrested a woman in connection with her pet lion being seen cruising the streets of Pattaya in a white, open-top Bentley. The lion cub, which was found chained in the backseat of the luxurious vehicle, was being driven around by a Sri Lankan man who has since fled the country. The woman, identified as Sawangjit Kosoongnern, is now facing charges for possessing a wild animal without permission, while the Sri Lankan man is also expected to be charged for transporting the animal in public places. The man who sold the lion to Sawangjit is likely to face charges as well for moving an animal without permission.
According to Thai laws, it is not illegal to own a lion, but it must be properly registered. Sawangjit claimed to have purchased the lion from a Thai man in Nakhon Pathom province, who supposedly facilitated the delivery to Pattaya. However, she failed to have her facility inspected by officials, which not only made the transfer illegal but also rendered her ownership of the animal unauthorized.
As a result, Sawangjit now faces a potential imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($2800; £2200). The Sri Lankan man, who was living in a rented pool villa and has now left Thailand, would have faced imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of 50,000 baht for bringing a controlled wild animal into public places. The individual who sold the lion to Sawangjit will also be held accountable for moving an animal without permission.
This incident has highlighted the issue of unregulated ownership of exotic animals in Thailand. Authorities have revealed that there are currently 224 legally owned lions in the country, indicating a large number of privately owned lions without proper documentation. This not only puts the animals at risk but also poses a threat to public safety.
The case has raised concerns about the treatment and welfare of these privately owned large carnivores. Keeping lions without proper facilities and permits can lead to their mistreatment and endanger the community, as evidenced by this incident. The unauthorized transportation of a lion in a luxury sports car not only presents a risk to the public but also showcases the potential influence of wealth and privilege in undermining legal regulations.
The incident also sheds light on the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent the illegal trade and ownership of wild animals. While Thailand does allow the ownership of certain exotic animals, such as lions, the rules and registration process must be followed to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals, as well as the protection of the public.
Moreover, this incident raises questions about the involvement of international networks in the illegal wildlife trade. The fact that the Sri Lankan man involved in the incident has fled the country suggests a potential connection to organized criminal networks specialized in smuggling exotic animals. This aspect of the case should be thoroughly investigated to dismantle such networks and disrupt their illegal operations.
In conclusion, the emergence of this viral video featuring a pet lion cruising the streets of Pattaya has prompted a swift response from Thai authorities. The charges filed against Sawangjit Kosoongnern and the pending charges against the Sri Lankan man and the seller of the lion demonstrate a commitment to enforcing the regulations surrounding the ownership and transportation of wild animals. However, this incident also highlights the need for increased vigilance and stricter regulations to prevent the unauthorized ownership and mistreatment of exotic animals. By addressing these issues, Thailand can work towards safeguarding both the welfare of these animals and the safety of its citizens.
