Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In the heart of Chiang Mai, behind a seemingly ordinary car repair shop, resides a unique and controversial ménage. Tharnuwarht Plengkemratch, a rising TikTok star with nearly three million followers, keeps an unusual set of pets: two lions and a striking 200-kilogramme lion-tiger hybrid affectionately named Big George. This vibrant display of exotic pet ownership raises eyebrows and alarms in equal measure across Thailand.

 

A Growing Trend

 

Lions as pets aren't a rarity in Thailand, where owning these majestic creatures is perfectly legal. The nation's captive lion population is skyrocketing, now nearing 500, housed variously in homes, zoos, breeding farms, and pet cafés. Tharnuwarht, an advocate for these mighty felines, shares his experiences on social media, portraying the creatures as playful, affectionate companions akin to dogs and cats.

 

“I wanted to show people... that lions can actually bond well with humans,” he insists. Yet, despite the intimate bond he claims, he approaches Big George with caution, mindful of the liger's immense power.

 

Rising Concerns

 

This trend, however, is fraught with implications. Conservationists warn it endangers both animals and people, placing immense pressure on regulatory authorities. Tom Taylor from the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand describes the situation as "absolute madness," foreseeing potential chaos if regulations aren't tightened.

 

The law currently mandates that lions be registered and microchipped, with movement notifications required. Nonetheless, there are no limits on breeding, nor regulations governing hybrids like ligers. The regulations for reporting births of native species like tigers are stringent, but lion owners have a leisurely 60 days to report cubs. This loophole, experts argue, could facilitate illicit activities.

 

Dark Underbelly

 

While official data shows nearly 450 lions were recorded between 2018 and 2024, an unsettling 350 have mysteriously vanished from the radar. This could hint at dark possibilities, from unreported deaths to illicit trade. Insiders have disclosed clandestine cross-border trade involving live and dead lions, skirting the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits.

 

In neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Laos, capture and trade have been reported, despite no legal imports being registered. In Thailand, a decrease in the import of lion parts raises uncomfortable questions about their present sources.

 

The Business of Lions

 

Pathamawadee Janpithak provides a lens into the business side of this trend. Once dealing in crocodiles, she shifted to lions as the value of reptilian trade diminished. Now, her operation centres on the breeding and selling of these majestic creatures. A lion cub sells for around 500,000 baht (approximately US$15,500), though increasing supply has driven prices down from peaks of 800,000 baht.

 

In Pathamawadee's facilities, the cycle of life and commerce unfolds as lions, including genetically vulnerable white cubs, are bred and sold. Buyers once readily purchased these exotic animals without much fuss, but recent regulatory demands complicate transactions. As she oversees her brood, she reflects on the shifting landscape of this peculiar trade.

 

A National Dilemma

 

The proliferation of pet lions challenges Thai authorities. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) faces the daunting task of regulating a growing issue. Though they aim to curb imports, focusing on domestic breeding, the rise in inbreeding has led to questions about the sustainability of lion populations.

 

Enforcement of existing regulations presents its own puzzle, as seized animals become the government’s responsibility, entailing substantial care costs. “There is a great deal of deliberation before intervening,” remarks Penthai Siriwat of WWF Thailand, highlighting the complex decision-making involved.

 

A Look Ahead

 

While some lion owners cite conservation to justify their actions, experts argue these captive lions will never grace the wild. Two lions, Khanom and Khanun, rescued from inappropriate conditions, now inhabit a DNP sanctuary, their lives a testament to the need for specialised care and attention.

 

With the possibility of regulatory review on the horizon, suggestions for stricter controls are under consideration. Yet, insights from DNP’s Sadudee Punpugdee suggest that an outright ban is unlikely. His candid advice for aspiring exotic pet owners: “Wild animals belong in the wild. There are plenty of other animals we can keep as pets.”

 

As Thailand grapples with this complex issue, the conversation around big cat ownership underscores a broader discourse on wildlife conservation, personal freedoms, and the responsibilities that come with exotic pet ownership. The world watches and wonders: what future awaits these magnificent creatures?

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-29

 

 

Well, keeping lions as pets and having hybrid ligers, that shouldn't exist in nature, that just grows to a massive size, as the reason is that male lions have the growth boosting hormones but female tigers don't, so they get much bigger.... but cannot survive in nature for many reasons. This guy in the OP article is a huge case of "What could go wrong?". The authorities shouldn't letting there be a free-for-all about lions and tigers etc. and let novice breeders just go all yahoo and do what they want... bad idea and feeds the illegal wildlife trade.

 

 

Absolutely, bloody ridiculous.

Why Thai authority let this happen?

At least a proper zoo is required.

Or

Let this idiot stay together with the Lion in one small cage for a day or two.

 

Where did it come from , how can they afford to feed it and what form of exercise and space does it have ?

Most idiots here can hardly look after their dogs then you have people like this thinking nothing bad will happen it loves me 🦁🙈

Tik tok tik tok before follow up story of death .

15 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

Absolutely, bloody ridiculous.

Tik-Tok stars have a lot to answer for..

15 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

Absolutely, bloody ridiculous.

could not agree more. Pit bulls are bad enough. what motivates these freaks?  small dick syndrome is one possible explanation in my opinion.   What possible pleasure can be had from keeping these creatures in a cage and having to clean up their excrement?  

 and 3 million "fans" !!   whats all that about

 

I can imagine what this beast is thinking: "tick-tock, tick-tock,..."

2 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

could not agree more. Pit bulls are bad enough. what motivates these freaks?  small dick syndrome is one possible explanation in my opinion.   What possible pleasure can be had from keeping these creatures in a cage and having to clean up their excrement?  

 and 3 million "fans" !!   whats all that about

 

I read....might not be true...that there are more lions and tigers in private homes in the US than in the wild!!! Mental.

1 minute ago, Will B Good said:

 

I read....might not be true...that there are more lions and tigers in private homes in the US than in the wild!!! Mental.

Unbelievable, and then there are those idiots that keep snakes as pets    and those with birds of prey.

17 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

Absolutely, bloody ridiculous.

 

Some are specialized in ridiculous.

1 hour ago, Bday Prang said:

 and 3 million "fans" !!   whats all that about

Face & Money. The only things that matter in LOS.

1 minute ago, Grusa said:

Face & Money. The only things that matter in LOS.

true enough but this tik tok cr@p is not unique to thailand

Who are the people who follow these TikTok folks and why? Why would someone with an odd pet get 2 million followers? Are these people just bored? Don't they have lives? 

 

It's a very strange world we live in. Some of us just can't relate to apps like TikTok. They seem toxic. 

If you have money and influence in Thailand you can do want you want 

My personal option is  it should not be allowed 

Bad enough keeping animals in cages in zoos 

Guess rules only matters, if the owners get mauled killed maybe then they will make sensible decisions regarding wildlife.Other than that it's just ridiculous. it's all about money.

I remember seeing this earlier this year. Keeping a Lion right in the heart of Pattaya.😮😮That noise would keep me awake at night,

 

 

I don't really agree with keeping and bereding lions in captivity, but it could grow into a roaring trade!!

Like so many people this day and age their lives are based around tik tok. He wouldn’t get followers watching something so mundane as his car repair shop so why not show off with his exotic wild animals instead. No mention of him being trained to look after such dangerous animals or the Thai authorities deeming his facilities as safe. But don’t let those issues stop his desire for attention and how many of those who watch to do so to see him get mauled? 



 

 

On 7/29/2025 at 4:36 PM, Will B Good said:

 

 

Absolutely, bloody ridiculous.

take them to court for cruelty to animals,go back to looking after your own relatives, cockroaches need love to !

Just now, portisaacozzy said:

take them to court for cruelty to animals,go back to looking after your own relatives, cockroaches need love to !

 

 

Anyone?

On 7/30/2025 at 8:31 AM, BexMan said:

I remember seeing this earlier this year. Keeping a Lion right in the heart of Pattaya.😮😮That noise would keep me awake at night,

 

 

Makes me sick to my stomach to see these beautiful wild animals locked up in awful surroundings.. See how that animal is pacing ! Why oh why is this allowed.