A Thai TikToker is facing up to six months in jail after his pet lion escaped its cage and attacked an 11-year-old boy, as well as a man who tried to save him.
The shocking incident took place on October 4 in the Bo Phloi district of Kanchanaburi, Thailand, and was caught on camera.
In the viral footage, the lion, a one-year-old female named Mahae Si, can be seen running loose in the street as people, including the young victim, try to flee while screams echo in the background.
According to local reports, the boy was walking home around 11pm after playing with friends when the lion pounced on him. A 43-year-old man, Sarawut Tokaeo, rushed to help but was also attacked, suffering a deep leg wound that required stitches.
Luckily, Tokaeo was able to hit the lion multiple times, causing it to release the boy. Both victims were hospitalized but are said to be in stable condition.
TikToker’s lion seized after attacking two people
The lion’s owner, 32-year-old TikTok creator Parinya Parkpoom, was seen in the footage rushing outside before hesitating at his fence, unsure how to react as neighbors begged him to restrain the animal. He eventually retrieved the lion from a nearby field, but locals demanded that authorities intervene.
Wildlife officials later seized Mahae Si and transferred her to a conservation facility. It’s believed she’ll be relocated to a licensed wildlife breeding center.
Parinya now faces charges under Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits recklessly releasing or failing to control wild animals. If convicted, he could be jailed for up to six months and/or fined 50,000 baht (around $1,300).
Speaking to local media, Parinya said he was “shocked” by the incident and insisted it was an accident caused by the lion’s cage being renovated.
“I apologize for what happened — it was an accident,” he said. “I will pay compensation and cover the boy’s medical treatment.”
While it’s legal to own lions in Thailand with proper registration and microchipping, the incident has reignited debate about exotic pet ownership in the country.
The judge tasked with deciding Google’s fate would rather not