Chinthep Kanghae, head of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area in Thalang, which serves as the office responsible for wildlife animals in Phuket, led an inspection of the cafe, The Glass House Cafe and Space on Ratsada-Anusorn Rd, in Moo 2, Ratsada, yesterday (Feb 12).
Joining the inspection were Phuket City Police Deputy Chief Pol Lt Boonphob Thinbut and other officers from the Phuket City Police, along with officers from the Phuket Tourist Police and Phuket Forestry Office.
At the cafe the officers were greeted by a Chinese national who presented himself only as “Mr Khai”, who said he was a friend of the owner of the cafe.
Mr Khai was invited to Phuket Police City Police Station to answer questions about the lion cub, which had sparked much controversy online, mostly by people concerned about the animal’s welfare.
Mr Khai told police that the lion cub had been brought to Phuket from Bangkok. The cub was kept at a house in Chalong for about 15 days before the owner brought it to the cafe.
The cub was put on display for visitors to see for two to three hours a day, and was taken home to Chalong every night by its owner ‒ who so far has remained unnamed.
Officials noted that Mr Khai spoke very little Thai. However, officers confirmed that Mr Khai told them that the owner of the lion cub was in Krabi and was to return to Phuket last night
The investigating officers met with Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Prathueng Phonmana to discuss the further investigation, and said they were to coordinate with the Chalong Police Chief before deciding on requesting a search warrant for the house where the lion was said to be kept.
Mr Chinthep, head of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area in Thalang, said officers were also investigating whether the lion cub was brought to Phuket legally.
“We are currently conducting a preliminary investigation. So far the lion has not yet been found, so it is not yet known whether the lion came legally or not,” Mr Chinthep said.
“Lions are controlled animals under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act of 2019, which requires permission to possess and must be raised at the place of possession that has been registered,” he added.
Mr Chinthep confirmed that his officers had not seen documents that validated legal ownership of the cub, or confirming that it had been transported to Phuket with the correct permission
“Lions are traded on farms, and the farm must have a movement permit. They must notify officials of moving the animal,” he said.
“Now we’ve inspected the cafe, but we haven’t found any lion cubs. So we have contacted the cafe owner to bring the lion cub and documents to show to officials, and we are coordinating with the local police in order to issue a summons to ask for more information,” Mr Chinthep said.