Bo phloi: The Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced an immediate investigation following an incident where a lion escaped from the home of a well-known influencer in Bo Phloi District, Kanchanaburi Province, and injured a young boy. The department is preparing to prosecute the owner for allowing a controlled wild animal to escape, and plans to seize the lion, returning it to state care.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, received a report that the lion, owned by Mr. Parinya Phakphum, a notable online celebrity, attacked the boy. Officials from the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Region 3 (Ban Pong) have been dispatched to investigate the situation.
Lions are classified as controlled wild animals under the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act of 2019. Allowing such animals to escape is an offense under Section 15, carrying penalties of up to 6 months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 50,000 baht, or both, according to Section 89.
The NBTC 3 had previously issued a letter on October 3, requesting the enhancement of the lion’s cage. However, the lion managed to escape and attack a child the day before the letter was sent.
Officials are investigating the lion’s escape to determine if it was due to a faulty cage, a broken tether, or a lack of supervision, to establish further charges. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has instructed the Bueng Chawak Wildlife Management Development Center to prepare an appropriate location for the lion, with the owner bearing all costs. Legal action is advised to be pursued thoroughly.
Mr. Mana Phuemphun, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, Region 3 (Ban Pong), reported that officials have inspected the owner’s residence, where the lion was found locked and chained in a room. Negotiations are ongoing for the lion’s transfer to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The boy attacked by the lion received hospital treatment and is reportedly safe.