In a quiet corner of Pattaya, the roar of pet lions has shattered the peace of a residential neighbourhood, prompting Thai authorities to take swift action. On Monday, officials descended on a property in Soi Phra Tamnak 5 following complaints about late-night disturbances caused by the exotic animals. The inspection, led by Sadudee Punpugdee, director of the Wild Fauna and Flora Protection Division, revealed a broader issue: the growing concern over private ownership of dangerous wildlife in Thailand. This incident has accelerated efforts by the Wildlife Conservation Bureau to tighten regulations, ensuring lions and other exotic species are housed in environments that prioritise both animal welfare and public safety.
The owner of the lions, Divarun Vaikunda Nadar, a 54-year-old Sri Lankan businessman, cooperated fully with the authorities during the 3.30pm inspection. Accompanied by officials from multiple agencies, including the Protected Area Regional Office 2 (Sri Racha), tourist police, Chonburi immigration police, and Pattaya police, Sadudee confirmed that the lions were microchipped and their registration details matched official records. However, the proximity of the animals to a residential area raised immediate concerns. Nadar has agreed to relocate the lions to a new property within a week, pending an inspection of the proposed site to ensure it meets stringent safety standards. If the location is deemed unsuitable, the lions will be moved to the Protected Area Regional Office 2 in Sri Racha for safekeeping, with Nadar permitted to visit them.
This case is emblematic of a larger trend in Thailand, where exotic pets such as lions, tigers, and bears have become status symbols among the wealthy. The Wildlife Conservation Bureau has responded with a firm stance, not only halting the import of lions for breeding to curb further trade but also drafting stricter regulations on ownership. Sadudee emphasised that prospective owners must have adequate space, ensure public safety, and consult with neighbours before acquiring such animals. “Owning a lion is not like keeping a dog or a cat,” he warned during the inspection. “These are wild animals, and their needs and potential dangers must be respected.” 
The incident in Pattaya underscores the challenges of balancing individual freedoms with community safety in a country known for its complex relationship with wildlife. Thailand has long been a hub for exotic animal trade, both legal and illegal, with lax enforcement often enabling private ownership of dangerous species. While some owners argue they are providing a safe haven for animals that might otherwise face harm, critics contend that such practices endanger both the public and the animals themselves, who may suffer in inadequate living conditions. The roar of lions in a suburban neighbourhood is a stark reminder of the risks involved when wild animals are kept in close proximity to human populations.
Public sentiment in Pattaya appears to lean heavily towards stricter controls. Residents of Soi Phra Tamnak 5 expressed relief at the impending relocation of Nadar’s lions, with many citing sleepless nights and fears for their safety. “I understand people want to keep exotic pets, but this is not the place for it,” said one local, who requested anonymity. “We have children and families here. A lion roaring at midnight is terrifying.” The case has also reignited debates over whether private individuals should be allowed to own such animals at all, with animal rights advocates calling for a complete ban on keeping dangerous wildlife as pets.
Thailand’s efforts to address these issues are part of a broader regional push to regulate the exotic pet trade. Neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Cambodia have faced similar challenges, with reports of tigers and other big cats being kept in private homes or used in illegal breeding operations. In Thailand, the Wildlife Conservation Bureau’s latest measures build on existing laws, such as the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act, which already imposes restrictions on the ownership and trade of protected species. However, enforcement has historically been inconsistent, often hampered by limited resources and corruption within local bureaucracies.
The Pattaya incident may serve as a catalyst for change. Authorities are now under pressure to not only enforce existing regulations but also to ensure that new guidelines are practical and effective. The requirement for owners to consult with neighbours, for instance, introduces a community dimension to the approval process, potentially reducing conflicts like the one in Soi Phra Tamnak 5. Additionally, the halt on lion imports signals a shift towards curbing the supply side of the trade, though experts caution that black market activities may persist without robust international cooperation.
For now, the lions in Pattaya await their fate, their roars a fading echo in a neighbourhood eager for peace. As Nadar prepares to relocate his animals, the Wildlife Conservation Bureau is working to ensure that future owners face a higher bar. Whether these measures will roar as loudly as the lions themselves remains to be seen, but for the residents of Pattaya, the hope is for quieter nights and safer streets.
