KANCHANABURI – A social media influencer is facing criminal charges after a pet lion escaped from his residence in Bo Phloi district on Saturday, attacking two individuals including an 11-year-old boy. The incident has prompted wildlife authorities to take custody of the animal and initiate legal proceedings against the owner.

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The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department announced it will charge the influencer, identified as Parinya, 32, with allowing a controlled wild animal to escape and cause injury. Department Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa confirmed that officials have been dispatched to inspect the influencer’s home and the lion’s enclosure. He emphasized that lions are classified as controlled wild and dangerous animals under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act of 2019. “Allowing such an animal to escape without a valid reason is an offence punishable by up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 50,000 baht, or both,” Attapol stated.

Authorities revealed that the department’s regional office had issued a written notice to Parinya on October 3, just one day before the escape, instructing him to reinforce the lion’s cage. Investigators are now examining whether the animal broke free from its enclosure, slipped its leash, or was left unrestrained.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment orders strict legal action against the owner of a pet lion that escaped and attacked a child in Kanchanaburi Province.

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The injured boy, Arthit, sustained claw and bite wounds, particularly to his right hip, and is receiving treatment at Surasi Military Camp Hospital where his condition is reported as stable. A second victim, 43-year-old Sarawut, suffered leg scratches requiring four stitches and has since been discharged.

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Mana Permpoon, the department’s regional director, reported that during an inspection of the property, the lion was found chained inside a room. Negotiations are currently underway for the owner to formally surrender the animal. The Bueng Chawak Wildlife Breeding Centre in Suphan Buri province has been directed to prepare a facility to house the lion, with all associated costs to be borne by Parinya, who maintains a large social media following by posting videos featuring his pet lions.

-Thailand News (TN)