Illegal Lion and Liger Seized from Home in Songkhla

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of NRECSD

 

Authorities have raided, on 8 March, a luxury residence in Mueang Songkhla district, seizing a white lion, a liger, and two large elephant tusks, following reports of illegal wildlife possession.

 

The operation was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Watcharin Phusit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECSD), alongside officers from Protected Area Regional Office 6 (Songkhla).

 

Upon searching the house in Phawong subdistrict, officers discovered:

 

• A female white lion

• A male liger (a crossbreed between a lion and a tiger)

• Two large elephant tusks

 

The owner, identified as Mr. Gomet, was not present at the time of the raid. Authorities seized the animals and ivory as evidence pending further investigation.

 

Officials will summon Mr. Gomet to verify whether he legally obtained the exotic animals and ivory. Under Thai law, the unauthorised possession of controlled wildlife is a criminal offence.

 

Authorities plan to charge him with “possession of wildlife without official notification to authorities,” and further legal action may be taken once the owner is questioned.

 

 

-- 2025-03-10