A Lion on the Streets of Thailand? The Hidden Dangers Behind "Absolutely Adorable" ─ The Reality of Lion Cafes and Illegal Trade

1 Roaring "House Cat" in the Midnight Alley

In the back of an auto repair shop in northern Chiang Mai, **a 200kg lion-tiger hybrid named "Big George"** and two African lions reside. Their owner, Mr. Tanwarat, is an animal influencer with nearly 3 million followers on TikTok. His videos, where he speaks from inside the cage saying, "They're as affectionate as dogs or cats," garner views and his follower count continues to grow daily.

2 The Reason for the Rapid Expansion from "130 Lions → 450 Lions"

The number of lions confirmed by the wildlife protection group WFFT was about 130 in 2018, but by 2024 it had swelled to nearly 450. Behind this are SNS appeal and lax legal regulations. The revised Wildlife Protection Act enacted in 2022 imposes registration and microchip requirements, yet the standards for breeding numbers and living conditions are almost non-existent. Theoretically, transfers without notification are possible within 60 days of birth, and Mr. Taylor laments, "Anything can be done during that time."

3 The Viral Outrage Drive

In January 2024, a video of a lion cub riding in an open-top Bentley through the bustling streets of Pattaya was posted on X (formerly Twitter) and quickly went viral. Angry comments poured in, such as "A billionaire's self-indulgence" and "It would be a disaster if there were children around." The owner, Mr. Sawanjit, was arrested for document discrepancies and faces a possible fine of up to 100,000 baht.Business InsiderMoneycontrol

On social media

• "The rich are free but lack public spirit"

• "Tying up a 4-month-old lion as a spectacle"
  such criticisms were voiced, and interest in animal welfare surged both within and outside Thailand.The Indian Express

4 The Sweet Nectar of the Lion Business

The price of one lion cub is 500,000 baht (approximately 1.55 million yen). Breeder Ms. Patamawadee produces 90 cubs a year, selling half to other breeders or "lion cafes." "White variants are especially popular, but they tend to be weak due to inbreeding," she says, yet demand has not declined. The cost of raising them is surprisingly low, requiring only about 2kg of chicken carcasses per day, making it a "surprisingly profitable business," she proudly states.

5 The Fate of the "Disappeared 350 Lions"

According to a tracking survey by a conservation group, nearly 350 lions became untraceable after registration. There is suspicion of unreported carcass disposal and smuggling to neighboring countries, and although "unregistered" lions have been confirmed in Cambodia and Laos, CITES import records have been zero since 2003.

6 The Authorities' Struggle and the Future of Regulation Strengthening

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand struggles with the maintenance costs of confiscated animals, making large-scale crackdowns difficult. An official states, "By restricting imports, we aim to rely on domestic breeding and eventually reduce demand itself," but the possibility of a complete ban is low. Meanwhile, with countries like the USA and UAE banning private ownership of big cats, Thailand is being highlighted as an international "loophole."

7 Five Measures Proposed by Experts

1. Shortening the registration grace period from 60 days to 24 hours

2. Setting limits on breeding numbers and genetic management

3. Third-party certification system for breeding facilities

4. Mandatory "wildlife use warning labels" on SNS posts

5. Joint crackdowns in the Southeast Asian region

Mr. Taylor warns, "If we don't act now, it will be uncontrollable in 10 years."

8 The Sacrifices Behind the "Cute" Facade

Many young animals photographed with customers at lion cafes are sold off within weeks, carrying stress as they are resold. Some animals that lose their place end up in the black market as ingredients for illegal drugs or bone wine. As a counter to this business model of selling lives, conservation groups are calling for **"responsible consumption."**

9 What We Can Do

• Avoid casually liking videos featuring exotic animals

• When traveling, avoid facilities that offer interactions with lions or tigers and visit certified conservation centers

• Spread information using hashtags like #KeepWildlifeWild

• Donate to or volunteer with support organizations

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