A shocking incident unfolded in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province after a social media influencer’s pet lion escaped and attacked two people — an 11-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man. Both victims were hospitalised following the terrifying ordeal, which reignited concerns over the private ownership of wild animals in residential areas.
According to reports by Khaosod English and Bangkok Post, the attack happened around 8:45pm on 4 October after the lion broke free from the chain that restrained it. The lion, a one-year-old female, allegedly bit and clawed the young boy, identified as Arthit Nueangnui, injuring his hip. When a man named Sarawut Tokaeo tried to rescue the boy, he too was attacked — sustaining claw injuries to his chest and thigh.
Both victims were rushed to Surasee Camp Hospital in Lat Ya, where they received treatment and were later discharged in stable condition.
Influencer Admits Negligence and Offers to Surrender Lion
The lion’s owner, 32-year-old influencer Parinya Parkpoom, is known online for showcasing his exotic pets, including the lion involved in the attack. Parkpoom admitted that the lion had been temporarily removed from its cage during home renovations and tied with a chain around its neck. He claimed he was unaware that the animal had escaped until neighbours alerted him about the attack.
In a public statement, Parkpoom took full responsibility for the incident, saying, “I accept full responsibility for all medical expenses and sincerely apologise to the families and injured parties. This accident resulted from my own negligence. I am willing to surrender the lion to authorities.”
Lion Had Escaped Twice Before
Witnesses later revealed that this was not the lion’s first escape. Local resident Kwanna Ketnoo, 47, told reporters that the lion had broken free at least three times within the past year. She added that the latest attack happened as the boy was running past Parkpoom’s home, which is located in a residential area surrounded by shops and other houses.
Due to growing safety concerns among neighbours, Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister ordered the immediate seizure of the lion. The animal has since been transferred to a wildlife centre under government supervision.
Legal Consequences for Owning Controlled Wildlife
Lions are classified as “Type C controlled wildlife” in Thailand — animals considered dangerous to humans and property. Under Thailand’s Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, failure to properly register or secure such animals can result in up to one year of imprisonment or fines of up to 100,000 baht (approximately S$3,993).
Authorities also warned that those transporting or keeping lions without authorisation could face additional penalties of up to six months in jail or fines not exceeding 50,000 baht (around S$1,996).
This latest case has reignited debate in Thailand about whether private individuals should be allowed to keep exotic and potentially dangerous animals as pets. Many netizens have since expressed outrage online, calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent similar attacks in the future.