Thailand’s fascination with large and powerful animals is blurring the line between pet ownership and public safety. Experts warn that the combination of lax ownership laws, online fame, and the urge to interact with predators is a recipe for disaster – especially for children.
“People even keep lions and tigers as pets,” said Sathit Pratchaya-ariyakun, president of the Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA).
He spoke after a horrifying incident on September 17 in Uthai Thani province, when a pit bull dragged a two-month-old from its pram and mauled it to death. The attack occurred despite the owner’s insistence that the dog was not aggressive. Lions, by comparison, are around 10 times heavier than pit bulls and far more powerful.
Lions on the loose
Just days later, a lioness escaped from a house in Kanchanaburi and attacked two neighbours, seriously injuring one. The big cat, which had been kept as a pet, was taken into custody by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
The danger that big cats pose to humans was underscored in Bangkok on September 10, when a pride of lions pounced on a zookeeper in front of horrified visitors. The keeper died of his wounds soon after in the hospital.
While such reports strike fear into the public, the desire to keep and interact with lions remains strong, especially among social media influencers.
“Don’t worry. My pet lion is in a strong cage… it won’t break out. And even if it does, it will just play with a ball. It’s big but still silly,” one influencer joked in a recent post.
“I feed it several kilos of chicken every day, so its stomach is full. It’s unlikely it will want to eat humans. If it gets hungry, I will let you know. LOL.”
The post drew comments gushing over the lion’s cuteness, with some even offering to babysit – a stark reminder of how naively many people view wild animals.
Legal loopholes
Thai law was amended several years ago to allow private ownership of lions if they are legally obtained and registered with the DNP. Owners are required to provide secure enclosures, clear warning signs and safe transportation.
Those who fail to register ownership face up to a year in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht. Owners who allow their big cat to escape risk a jail term of six months and/or a fine of up to 50,000 baht.
“If you don’t meet the standards, your lion will be seized and raised by us, but at your expense,” warned DNP director-general Athapol Charoenshunsa.
Keeping a big cat is expensive.
According to DNP estimates, annual costs for a lion aged one to five total around 533,000 baht (US$16,400), rising to 904,000 baht for ages six to 10, and about 1.39 million baht for lions older than 10.
The department is currently taking care of the lioness involved in the Kanchanaburi attack.
Dozens of lions kept as pets
Critics argue that legalising private ownership of lions has given the public the false impression that wild predators can be as harmless and “cute” as pet dogs.
“Wild animals have instincts that will never change,” said Sadudee Pungpugdee, director of the Wild Fauna and Flora Protection Division.
Lions (Panthera leo) are classified under Thai law as “Category A” Controlled Wild Animals, considered dangerous due to their aggressive nature and potential threat to humans.
Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), lions may be imported or exported with the proper permits.
The relative ease of legal trade has fuelled the rapid growth of lion ownership and commerce in Thailand, where 75 non-zoo owners keep at least one lion as a pet.
