Illegal Lion and Liger Seized from Home in Songkhla

S
stenews
Mon, Mar 10, 2025 6:40 PM

Illegal Lion and Liger Seized from Home in Songkhla
Georgealbert, Asean Now
March 9, 2025

Authorities have raided, on 8 March, a luxury residence in Mueang Songkhla
district, seizing a white lion, a liger, and two large elephant tusks,
following reports of illegal wildlife possession.

The operation was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Watcharin Phusit, commander of the
Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECSD),
alongside officers from Protected Area Regional Office 6 (Songkhla).

Upon searching the house in Phawong subdistrict, officers discovered:

• A female white lion
• A male liger (a crossbreed between a lion and a tiger)
• Two large elephant tusks

The owner, identified as Mr. Gomet, was not present at the time of the
raid. Authorities seized the animals and ivory as evidence pending further
investigation.

Officials will summon Mr. Gomet to verify whether he legally obtained the
exotic animals and ivory. Under Thai law, the unauthorised possession of
controlled wildlife is a criminal offence.

Authorities plan to charge him with “possession of wildlife without
official notification to authorities,” and further legal action may be
taken once the owner is questioned.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1354089-illegal-lion-and-liger-seized-from-home-in-songkhla/

Illegal Lion and Liger Seized from Home in Songkhla Georgealbert, Asean Now March 9, 2025 Authorities have raided, on 8 March, a luxury residence in Mueang Songkhla district, seizing a white lion, a liger, and two large elephant tusks, following reports of illegal wildlife possession. The operation was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Watcharin Phusit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECSD), alongside officers from Protected Area Regional Office 6 (Songkhla). Upon searching the house in Phawong subdistrict, officers discovered: • A female white lion • A male liger (a crossbreed between a lion and a tiger) • Two large elephant tusks The owner, identified as Mr. Gomet, was not present at the time of the raid. Authorities seized the animals and ivory as evidence pending further investigation. Officials will summon Mr. Gomet to verify whether he legally obtained the exotic animals and ivory. Under Thai law, the unauthorised possession of controlled wildlife is a criminal offence. Authorities plan to charge him with “possession of wildlife without official notification to authorities,” and further legal action may be taken once the owner is questioned. https://aseannow.com/topic/1354089-illegal-lion-and-liger-seized-from-home-in-songkhla/