Thai Police Arrest Two for Pet Lion Spotted in Bentley

Arrests Made After Viral Video of Lion in Bentley

Police in Thailand have apprehended a woman after a video showing a lion cub seated in the back of a white Bentley circulated online. The lion was being driven around by a Sri Lankan man who has since left the country. The woman, identified as Sawangjit Kosoongnern, is believed to be acquainted with the man.

While it is not illegal to own a lion in Thailand, it must be registered with the authorities. The woman claimed to have purchased the lion from a Thai man in Nakhon Pathom province, who assisted in delivering the animal to Pattaya. However, the man failed to have his facility inspected by officials, making the transfer and ownership of the lion illegal.

Charges and Penalties

Sawangjit Kosoongnern is now facing charges of possessing a controlled wild animal without permission. If convicted, she could face up to one year imprisonment and a fine of up to 100,000 baht. Authorities in Thailand are also trying to charge the Sri Lankan man, who kept the lion in his rented villa, but he has already left the country. His charges would include bringing a controlled wild animal into public places, which carries a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of 50,000 baht.

Additionally, the individual who sold the lion to Sawangjit will also be charged with moving an animal without permission. Currently, there are 224 legally owned lions in Thailand.

Background and Similar Incidents

Owning a lion in Thailand is not uncommon but requires proper registration. This incident highlights the importance of following the legal process to prevent illegal ownership and transportation of exotic animals. In a separate incident in Cambodia, a pet lion was recently seized after videos featuring it went viral on TikTok. Similarly, in 2018, a lion cub was found in a French apartment.