Boy Hospitalised After Escaped Lion Attack in Thailand
KANCHANABURI (Thailand): A young boy was hospitalised after being attacked by an escaped lion from a private home in Thailand, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
According to the country’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the incident occurred on Saturday night in Kanchanaburi province, around two hours from Bangkok. The lion reportedly broke free from its enclosure and pounced on the child as he was walking along a public road.
Local media reported that the boy was returning home after playing with friends when the big cat attacked. He sustained injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Ownership of lions is legal in Thailand, where the number of captive lions has surged in recent years. Nearly 500 lions are registered across the country in zoos, private breeding farms, cafes, and even homes. However, experts have repeatedly warned that the practice poses serious safety and animal welfare concerns, and may also contribute to the illegal wildlife trade.
The lion’s owner, identified only as Parinya, faces charges under Thailand’s wildlife protection laws. If convicted, he could face up to six months in prison and a fine of 50,000 baht (approximately $1,500).
Authorities have since seized the lion and transferred it to a wildlife breeding centre, where a safe new enclosure has been prepared.
Parinya told local media that he was “shocked” by the incident, explaining that the lion escaped while its cage was being renovated.
“I apologise for what happened. It was an accident,” he said, adding that he would cover all medical expenses and compensation for the boy’s family.
Thailand’s wildlife department has reminded the public that keeping exotic or wild animals carries significant risks.
“All wild animals have natural instincts that can be dangerous,” the statement read. “Any incident affecting life or property will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Since 2022, Thai law has required lion owners to register and microchip their animals and notify authorities before moving them — though enclosure and welfare standards remain largely unregulated.
Just last month, a zookeeper was mauled to death by several lions at a safari park near Bangkok, prompting renewed scrutiny over Thailand’s exotic animal industry.
