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- A viral video shows a lion cruising around Pattaya, Thailand, in an open-top Bentley.
- The woman who owns the lion was charged with possessing a controlled wild animal without permission.
- Owning lions is not illegal in Thailand, but it does require the right documentation.
Police arrested a woman in Thailand whose pet lion was captured on video cruising around in an open-top Bentley, according to reports.
The Pattaya News, a local news outlet, said police visited the woman on Wednesday after being made aware of a viral video showing the animal joyriding in the luxury car.
BBC News reported that the video, originally posted by Pattaya resident and digital content creator Ann Isaanrussia, showed the lion being driven around by a Sri Lankan man, who is believed to be a friend of the owner — Sawangjit Kosoongnern.
During the police visit, Sawangjit presented officers with her ownership documents and allowed a veterinarian to inspect the animal, the Pattaya News said.
The local news outlet said that the lion was found to be in good health and had a microchip, which is mandatory under Thai law.
According to BBC News, Sawangjit claimed to have bought the animal from a Thai man who failed to have the required facility inspection before selling it, rendering the transfer and ownership illegal.
While owning a lion is not against the law in Thailand, it needs to be officially registered.
Consequently, Sawangjit is facing charges of possessing a controlled wild animal without permission, which carries a sentence of up to a year in prison, and a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($2,811).
The Sri Lankan Man, who was not named, was due to be charged with bringing a controlled wild animal into public places, but he left the country on January 22, according to the Pattaya News.
The local news outlet said Sawangjit is currently seeking the necessary documents to retain her pet.