On January 21, Thai social networks were “uplifted” by a video showing a man driving a convertible Bentley supercar on the street. However, what surprised netizens was the image of the lion cub blatantly sitting in the back seat.
In the video posted with the caption: “This is Pattaya!”, viewers can see the lion wearing a neon green collar sitting on a white convertible, seemingly calm and curiously observing people. around on a busy road.
Theo Pattaya News not only attracting the attention of passersby and netizens, the incident also caused the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to open an investigation.
Many passersby were surprised when witnessing the dangerous scene (Video: Ann Isaan Russia).
Authorities said the lion’s legal owner is Sawangjit Kosoongnern – a person with a license to raise animals in Ratchaburi province, Thailand.
The lion cub was identified as a white lion and appeared to be 5-6 months old. Despite submitting an application to bring his pets to Pattaya in Chonburi province, Sawangjit Kosoongnern has not yet been granted a permit.
“Therefore, Sawangjit violated the law by taking wild animals into public places without permission. She might face a prison sentence of up to 6 months and a fine of up to 50,000 baht (regarding 34,000 baht). 5 million VND)”, Atthaphon Charoenchansa – Director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation of Thailand – said.
In his two-story house, Sawangjit Kosoongnern currently raises a lion and 3 dogs (Photo: Khaosod).
According to local residents, the man in the video often drives through the neighborhood with his “pet” every day. Some people have expressed concern regarding the potential dangers of keeping wild animals.
Atthaphon Charoenchansa added that all wild animals are dangerous and can attack people at any time. Although owning lions is legal in Thailand, owners must ensure that they are kept in a specific location and not allowed out in public areas.
