KANCHANABURI, Thailand – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has ordered officials from Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong) to investigate immediately after a lion escaped from the home of a well-known social media influencer in Bo Phloi District and attacked a young boy, leaving him injured. Authorities plan to prosecute the owner for releasing a controlled wild animal and will place the lion under state care.
DNP Director General Atthapol Charoenchansa confirmed that the lion, belonging to Prinyaporn Pakpoom, is classified as a dangerous wild animal under the 2019 Wildlife Protection Act. Releasing it without proper control is punishable by up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 50,000 baht, or both.
Officials had previously issued a notice on October 3 requiring the owner to strengthen the lion’s enclosure. However, the animal escaped the following day and attacked a child. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances of the escape, including whether it resulted from a faulty cage, improper tethering, or negligent supervision, to determine further legal violations.
The lion has been temporarily secured inside the house in chains, and officials are negotiating its transfer to the DNP. The Bueng Chawak Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is preparing to receive the animal, with all costs to be borne by the owner. The boy has been hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition. (TNA)
