Additional Coverage:
- Thailand influencer’s pet lioness seized after it escaped and brutally attacked a man and young boy (themirror.com)
“Pet” Lioness Attacks Two in Thailand, Officials Call for Seizure
KANCHANABURI, Thailand – A social media influencer’s “pet” lioness is at the center of a controversy in Thailand after escaping its restraints and injuring an 11-year-old boy and a 32-year-old man over the weekend. Thai officials are now calling for the animal’s immediate seizure.
The one-year-old lioness, owned by influencer Parinya Parkpoom, 32, broke free from its tether on Saturday night in Kanchanaburi province, west Thailand. CCTV footage captured the predator pouncing on the 11-year-old boy, biting and pawing him on his right hip.
Arthit Nueangnui, 32, was also injured on his left arm after being clawed by the animal. A third individual, Sarawut Tokaeo, 43, reportedly intervened, repeatedly hitting the lioness to rescue the victims.
Both Arthit Nueangnui and Sarawut Tokaeo were rushed to a local hospital for treatment. The severity of the 11-year-old boy’s injuries was noted as serious.
Following the incident, Attapol Charoenchansa, director-general of Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), announced that the environment ministry has directed officials to take legal action against Mr. Parkpoom. The department plans to seize the lioness, named Mahaesee, and transfer it to a wildlife care center.
Mr. Parkpoom has been charged with violating Article 15 of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits individuals from abandoning or releasing wild animals under their care. Violations of this act can result in imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to 50,000 baht (approximately $1,350 USD), or both.
Forest officials have since sedated Mahaesee and removed her from Mr. Parkpoom’s home. The influencer attributed the escape to a broken chain, stating the lioness had been tied to a pole while her cage was undergoing renovation.
In an apology, Mr. Parkpoom stated, “I didn’t realize the chain had broken until a villager called to tell me the lion had escaped and attacked a child.
I rushed out right away, secured the lion, and brought her back inside. I’ll take full responsibility for all medical expenses and sincerely apologize to both families.
This accident was entirely my fault.” He has agreed to hand Mahaesee over to the Bungchawak Wildlife Management Development Centre in Suphan Buri province.