The National Park Service prosecuted the lion trade ring.

Bangkok, The National Park Service prepares to take legal action against the lion trade. Initially, the owner was charged with having wild animals under control without permission. As well as preparing to prosecute all those involved. Reminder: Controlled wild animals must request permission to possess them. and move first every time Violation is a violation of the law. Mr. Weera Khunchaiyarak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, discussed the results of the investigation into the case where Facebook Reels published a clip of a lion in a luxury convertible car driving along the road in the Pattaya area. Chonburi Province As a result, villagers, tourists and road users were shocked. Until there was criticism about the adoption of feral animals. and brought to tourist attractions which are feared There will be danger. On January 23, National Park Department officials Together with the Tourist Police and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Su ppression Division, they inspected house number 354/42 Village No. 12, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District. Chonburi Province Mr. Anirut Kongsap, a lawyer, represented Ms. Sawangjit Kosungnoen, who reported possession of the lion shown in the video clip. Mr. Anirut was the leader in inspecting the lions inside the house and found Miss Albina Kuruts, Ukrainian nationality, in the house. Be the resident and caretaker of the lions Initially it was found that The lion is in good health. By sending a veterinarian to check again. From questioning Mr. Anirut, a lawyer, he learned that the lion Miss Sawangchit Kosungnoen has already requested permission to take possession. They submitted an application to the Office of Conservation Area Administration No. 3 (Ban Pong) and requested permission to take possession in Chonburi Province. Later yesterday (January 24) at approximately 5:45 p.m., a group of officials consisted of Mr. Kongkiat Temmuan, Director of the Protected Area Office 2, Mr. Prasert Sonsathapor nkul, Director of the Convention on Wildlife and Flora Protection Division (CITES), veterinarian, together with Pattaya Tourist Police officers. The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division inspected the lion and possession documents again. The veterinarian checked the microchip number and found that it matched the original possession document from Mr. Kitt's farm. Nakhon Pathom Province which is the transferor Ms. Sawangjit showed a copy of the document requesting the transfer of one female lion from Mr. Kitt's farm. to take possession of house number 354/42 on December 6, 2023, which has been verified to be correct and consistent with the copy of documents obtained from S.B.O. 3 But the transfer has not yet been completed and is being processed by S.B.O. 3. Miss Sawangchit explained that Mr. Kitt is the one who provides all the conveniences. After purchasing a lion cub Mr. Kitt transported it to his residence in Chonburi Province. Ms. Sawangjit provided additional information. A Sri Lankan businessman rented a house, 354/42, to house the lions. A Bentley luxury car appeared on social media. Buy in installments from the car tent. Ramindra area, Bangkok, tourist police inspected and found Sri Lankans have now returned to their country. The team of officials arrested and prosecuted Miss Sawangjit Kosungnoen for an offense under the Act. Preserve and protect wild animals 2019, Section 19, paragraph 1, for possession of controlled wild animals without permission. Therefore, there is a penalty according to Section 90, which must be imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, a fine not exceeding 100,000 baht, or both. and will notify additional legal action against all those involved. Who is in possession of the lion and will report any further movement without permission. As for "lions", they are controlled wild animals that must be notified of possession. Type A (ferocious) must be maintained in a strong and safe possession area. Do not move before receiving permission. Violation will be an offense . According to the regulations of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation regarding notification and receipt of notification. and possession of controlled wildlife and controlled wildlife carcasses 2022 "imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding 50,000 baht or both." The possession of wild animals is controlled. The laws regarding wildlife conservation and protection must be strictly followed. For more information, please contact Foreign wildlife management section Division for the Protection of Wild Animals and Wild Plants according to the Convention 02-5610777 ext. 2912 or if you find illegal acts involving wild animals, please report them to the Forest Protection Hotline 1362 24 hours a day. Source: Thai News Agency