In Thailand, authorities have detained a woman after her pet lion was spotted enjoying a ride through the streets of Pattaya in a viral video.
The lion cub was seen seated in the back of a white Bentley, driven by a Sri Lankan individual who has since left the country and is believed to be an acquaintance of Sawangjit Kosoongnern.
While owning a lion in Thailand is not prohibited, it must be officially registered. Sawangjit, however, failed to comply with this requirement.
She claimed to have purchased the lion from a Thai individual in Nakhon Pathom province, but neglected to have the necessary official checks performed before transporting the animal to Pattaya, rendering both the transfer and ownership illegal.
As a result, Sawangjit is facing charges for possessing a controlled wild animal without authorization, which could lead to a one-year prison sentence and a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($2800; £2200).
Authorities were also seeking to charge the Sri Lankan man for keeping the lion in his rented villa, but were unable to do so as he has left Thailand.
He would have been charged with bringing a controlled wild animal into public spaces, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of 50,000 baht.
Additionally, the individual who sold the lion to Sawangjit will be prosecuted for moving an animal without permission. Currently, Thailand legally owns 224 lions.
Source-BBC
