"Running off with a Lion"... Woman Driving with a Lion Claims It Is Her "Companion Lion"

Witnessed in Downtown Pattaya, Thailand
Gathers Attention on Global SNS

A woman driving an open car with a 'lion cub' on board through a famous tourist road in Thailand is attracting attention from netizens worldwide. However, contrary to the fame gained on social media (SNS), the woman is reportedly facing the risk of imprisonment. On the 24th (local time), Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a Thai woman, identified as Ms. A, was seen driving around the city of Pattaya, Thailand, with a lion cub tied with a chain in the back seat of an open car, and the footage was posted on SNS platforms such as X and TikTok.

A young lion riding in a luxury foreign car
[Photo by X]

In the released video, the vehicle the woman is riding in is a convertible from the British luxury car manufacturer Bentley. The lion cub is sticking its upper body out of the car, observing people on the street.

Netizens who saw the video reacted with comments like "I've never seen anything like this before," "Is this a commercial shoot?" and "Is this even legal?" expressing amazement. On the other hand, some criticized the act with comments such as "It's irresponsible," and "What are you thinking? The lion could jump out." SCMP added that the lion was seen in the city even before getting into the Bentley, and after the video of it riding in the car spread online, it attracted even more attention.

It is reported that in some parts of Thailand, lions can be kept as pets. The lion cub taken for a drive in the Bentley was said to be a 'pet lion' owned by a woman living in Ratchaburi province, west of Bangkok, Thailand. However, even though owning a pet lion is allowed in Thailand, taking it outside freely in public areas other than private property is strictly prohibited.

Ultimately, the woman is reportedly under investigation by Thai authorities. SCMP explained that the woman had not obtained permission from the authorities to move the lion to another province. In other words, she is accused of violating local animal laws. In Thailand, taking dangerous animals outside without prior permission can result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 100,000 baht (approximately 3.74 million KRW).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.