In a bizarre turn of events, a Thai woman finds herself in legal trouble after a video of a lion cub casually cruising in a Bentley went viral, garnering over 2.6 million views online. Thai police have charged Sawangjit Kosoognern with illegal possession of the lion cub, invoking environmental and natural resources laws.
The video, set against the lively backdrop of the resort town of Pattaya, triggered an official investigation into the matter. The central investigation bureau, in an announcement on its official Facebook page, stated that Sawangjit was charged with “possessing a protected wildlife without authorization” under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act of 2019.
Thai law prescribes severe penalties for such offenses. If found guilty, Sawangjit could face a hefty fine of up to 100,000 baht (£2,200) and a potential jail sentence of one year. The charges emphasize the importance of adhering to wildlife protection laws to prevent illegal possession and mistreatment of protected species.
During questioning by the police, Sawangjit admitted to purchasing the lion cub from another woman for 250,000 baht. However, she failed to obtain the necessary official documentation for the transfer due to incomplete information about the lion’s sex.
Further complicating the situation, the cub was housed in a property rented by a Sri Lankan man, who was prominently featured driving the Bentley in the viral video. Subsequently, the Sri Lankan individual has been deported, according to the national parks and wildlife department.
This case underscores the need for stringent measures to safeguard endangered wildlife and prevent their exploitation for personal amusement. The legal proceedings will serve as a reminder that authorities are committed to upholding wildlife protection laws, even in the face of unconventional and attention-grabbing incidents.
