In a startling incident captured on video, a young lion cub broke free and attacked a child in the presence of his alarmed mother. The event took place in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province on October 4, where 11-year-old Arthit Nueangnui was standing on the street when the one-year-old lioness made her escape around 9:15 pm local time. CCTV footage revealed the lioness charging down the street and latching onto the small boy, biting his side.
Fortunately, a quick-thinking bystander, Sarawut Tokaeo, 43, intervened by striking the lioness on the head, allowing Arthit to escape the dangerous situation after sustaining scratches. Both Arthit and Sarawut received medical treatment at a hospital and are reported to be safe. Authorities later sedated the lioness, named Mahaesee, and transferred her to a wildlife facility for evaluation and containment.
Following the incident, the owner of the lioness, Parinya Parkpoom, 32, faced legal consequences under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act for releasing the wild animal unlawfully. The violation carries penalties of up to 50,000 baht (1,150 GBP) and a maximum of six months imprisonment. Parinya expressed remorse, pledged to cover all medical costs, and agreed to surrender Mahaesee to a wildlife management center.
Parinya explained that he had temporarily tied the lioness to a post due to renovations on her enclosure, unaware that she had broken loose. He took full responsibility for the incident and apologized to the affected families. Residents in the area expressed relief after the lioness was removed, as she had escaped previously.
A local resident, Sarawut, who bravely intervened to save the child, highlighted the owner’s negligence as a recurring issue. Arthit’s mother, Lek, expressed the emotional toll on her son and herself, emphasizing the psychological impact of the event. She praised Sarawut for his heroic actions and shared her son’s harrowing experience of the attack.
The incident underscored the importance of responsible ownership of exotic animals in Thailand, where regulations mandate permits, registration, and safety compliance for keeping such animals. Violators may face legal repercussions, including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of the animal, as enforced by the Department of National Parks.
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