Tourist deported after taking lion for a joyride

Sunday, 28 Jan, 2024 1

A viral post has led to the arrest of a Thai woman and the deportation of a tourist.

A Sri Lankan tourist was filmed cruising the streets of Pattaya, Thailand in an open top Bentley with a lion cub in the passenger seat.

He has since been deported.

Video shows lion cub riding around Thai resort town in Bentley

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The lion cub is ‘owned’ by Sawangjit Kosoognern, who has been charged with ‘possessing a protected wildlife without authorisation.’

She could face a fine of THB250,000 and prison time.

The lion cub was kept in the house in Pattaya that the tourist rented, she said.

“We have arrested her, using the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act 2019,” police said.

Police said she bought the lion cub from another woman without the correct certification.

The viral video has since amassed over 2.5 million views.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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