On 11/8, the Tourist Assistance Center (TAC) inspected a lion cafe in Chalong district, Phuket, following reports of an incident that circulated on Chinese social media.

Lions at a cafe in Phuket. Photo: Lion Cafe Phuket.

According to social media posts, the tourist sustained a bite to the hand from a lion cub during a paid interaction. Cafe staff reportedly applied antiseptic to the wound. The tourist subsequently paid for rabies vaccine injections after experiencing a mild fever and body aches.

Cafe staff confirmed that a Chinese tourist was bitten by a lion during the Lunar New Year, several months prior to the inspection. This individual reportedly suffered only minor scratches and received on-site first aid. The cafe owner identified the lion cub involved as Caesar, adding that all lions at the facility are vaccinated. However, the cafe could not provide security camera footage of the incident, citing that the data was no longer stored.

The TAC stated that the inspection aimed to verify the information and evaluate safety conditions for tourists interacting with the lions. Officials mandated that staff closely monitor animal behavior and condition, supervise interactions, and adhere to safety protocols.

On Google, the cafe holds a 3,1/5-star rating. While some comments praise the attentive staff and the opportunity to interact with lions like pets, other customers have raised concerns about potential animal abuse, calling for a boycott of the establishment.

Lions are categorized as controlled wild animals under Thailand's Wildlife Conservation Act. Chalong police indicated that the inspection seeks to clarify the incident and prevent misunderstandings arising from images circulating online.

Tuan Anh (Sources: Bangkokpost, Thaiger)