- Joined
- Aug 20, 2022
- Messages
- 22,042
- Points
- 113
THAI SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER’S LION ATTACKS BOY AFTER BREAKOUT
By Khaosod English -October 5, 2025 3:46 pm... อ่านข่าวต้นฉบับได้ที่ : https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news...-influencers-lion-attacks-boy-after-breakout/
KANCHANABURI — A one-year-old female lion broke free from its chain and attacked an 11-year-old boy in Kanchanaburi province Saturday night, prompting authorities to seize the animal as its owner accepted full responsibility.
The incident occurred at 8:45 p.m. on October 4 in Rang Kham village, Nong Kum subdistrict, Bo Phloi district, when the lion named Mahesi (meaning ‘queen consort’ in Thai) escaped and bit the boy on the hip. A good Samaritan who rushed to help was also injured by the lion’s claws on his chest and thigh. Both victims were treated at Surasee Camp Hospital in Lat Ya and are now in stable condition.
Owner Accepts Responsibility
Parinya, a social media influencer known for posting videos with his lion, told reporters he had temporarily removed the animal from its cage during renovations and secured it with a chain around its neck. He was unaware it had broken free until neighbors alerted him that the lion was attacking the boy.
“I accept full responsibility for all medical expenses and sincerely apologize to the families and injured parties,” Parinya said. “This accident resulted from my own negligence. I am willing to surrender the lion to authorities at Bueng Chawak.”
Third Escape in One Year
Witness Kwanna Ketnoo, 47, said the boy was running home past Parinya’s house when the attack occurred about 20 meters from a shop where children had been playing. She heard the child scream and found the lion standing over him in the grass.
Kwanna revealed this was the third time the lion had escaped in roughly one year since being kept at the residence—located in a residential area surrounded by shops and homes. Local residents support the animal’s removal over safety concerns.
Legal Action
Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, ordered officials to seize the lion as evidence and mandated the owner cover all costs for the animal’s care and feeding.
The owner faces charges under Section 15 of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act for allowing protected wildlife to escape, carrying penalties of up to six months imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 50,000 baht ($1,550), or both.
Recent Fatal Attack
The incident follows a fatal attack on September 10 at Safari World in Bangkok, where five lions, led by a young male lion named Trump, killed a zookeeper who had exited his vehicle in violation of safety rules. Experts believe the lions may have been playing or acting on wild instincts when the keeper turned his back.
Growing Concerns Over Private Ownership
The cases have reignited criticism of Thailand’s laws permitting private lion ownership. Four Paws International revealed Thailand saw 625 new lions in 2025 alone, mostly in public zoos under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
“The large number of lions relates to wildlife trafficking, violating CITES conventions on endangered species trade,” the organization stated. “We urge the government to halt lion imports, prohibit breeding to control zoo populations, and ban private ownership.”
According to department data, lions are classified as Type C controlled wildlife—species with fierce temperaments that may endanger human life and property, requiring secure housing. In 2024, 37 entities including state and private zoos registered ownership of 223 lions in Thailand.
Failure to properly register carries penalties of up to one year imprisonment and fines not exceeding 100,000 baht ($3,100). Unauthorized transport carries up to six months imprisonment and fines not exceeding 50,000 baht ($1,550).
