Thai influencer takes pet lion out of cage, lion breaks free & attacks boy, 11

A Thai influencer's one-year-old female pet lion attacked an 11-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man on Oct. 4, sending both to the hospital.

Khaosod English reported that the attack took place in Thailand's Kanchanaburi province after the lion broke free from its chain.

The attack

As a result, at around 8:45pm on Oct. 4, the lion attacked the boy and man.

According to the Bangkok Post, it reportedly bit and clawed the hip of Arthit Nueangnui, 11.

The lion also supposedly clawed the chest and thigh of Sarawut Tokaeo, 43.

Tokaeo was said to have been attacked because he tried to help the boy.

According to Khaosod English, the boy and man are in stable condition after being treated at Surasee Camp Hospital in Lat Ya.

Both victims have been discharged from hospital.

Pet lion

The lion belongs to 32-year-old influencer Parinya Parkpoom.

According to the Bangkok Post, Parkpoom is a social media influencer who has posted about exotic pets including his lion.

Khaosod English reported that Parkpoom had temporarily removed the lion from its cage during renovations and secured it with a chain around its neck.

He did not know the lion had broken free until neighbours told him that the lion was attacking the boy.

Parkpoom said: "I accept full responsibility for all medical expenses and sincerely apologise to the families and injured parties."

He added: "This accident resulted from my own negligence. I am willing to surrender the lion to authorities at Bueng Chawak."

Third escape in a year

This is reportedly not the first time the lion has escaped, according to a witness.

Khaosod English reported that Kwanna Ketnoo, 47, said this is the third time the lion has escaped in around one year.

She also said that the boy was running past Parkpoom's house when the attack took place. It was reportedly around 20 metres from a shop where children were playing.

The lion is reportedly kept in a residential area surrounded by shops and homes. This has made local residents supportive of removing it due to safety concerns.

According to the Bangkok Post, the Natural Resources and Environment Minister ordered the seizure of the lion from Parkpoom.

The minister also said the lion would be kept at a wildlife centre.

Penalties

According to Khaosod English, lions are classified as Type C controlled wildlife.

This refers to species with fierce temperaments that could endanger human life and property and therefore require secure housing.

In 2024, 37 entities including state and private zoos registered ownership of 223 lions in Thailand.

According to Thailand's Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, offenders who fail to properly register are liable to penalties of up to one year imprisonment and fines not exceeding 100,000 baht (S$3,993).

Those convicted of unauthorised transport face up to six months imprisonment and fines not exceeding 50,000 baht (S$1,996).

Top photos via Parinya Parkpoom's Facebook & Khaosod English