Lion ownership is increasing in Thailand, with concerns about welfare and illegal wildlife trade. Enthusiast Tharnuwarht Plengkemratch shares his lion and lion-tiger hybrid pets on social media, contributing to the trend. Registration and microchipping are required, but significant regulatory gaps remain, such as the lack of breeding caps and inadequate welfare standards. The captive lion population has grown from 130 in 2018 to nearly 450 by 2024, raising issues regarding untracked lions and potential illegal activities surrounding lion trading and movement across borders.
"Lion ownership is legal in Thailand, and Tharnuwarht Plengkemratch is an enthusiastic advocate, posting updates on his feline companions to nearly three million followers."
"The boom is prompted by social media, where owners like Tharnuwarht post lighthearted content and glamour shots with lions."
"Thai law has required owners to register and microchip lions, and inform authorities before moving them, but there are no breeding caps or welfare requirements."
"We have interviewed traders who have given us prices for live and dead lions and have told us they can take them over the border."
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