Old photo, not new attack, police clear Phuket lion cafe
Chalong Police Station inspected Lion Cafe in Phuket yesterday, August 11, after viral photos claiming a lion had attacked a Chinese tourist raised concern over the province’s tourism image. Police found the business held a valid operating licence, and that the two lions kept there had complete ownership documents and up-to-date vaccination records. Police Colonel … The story Old photo, not new…
Legacy Chalong Police Station inspected Phuket's Lion Cafe on August 11 after viral photos claimed a lion attacked a Chinese tourist, sparking concerns over the province's tourism image. The cafe held a valid operating license, and the two lions were properly vaccinated against rabies and tetanus, certified by Happy Paws Animal Hospital.
The photo circulating on social media showed an incident from December 2025, not a current event. The cafe's manager clarified the image was old and did not depict a recent incident. Police also inspected Lion Land Phuket, which held the required public health hazardous business license, with all lions documented. Phuket Tourist Police confirmed the lions' vaccination records and business licenses were in order.
Inspections aimed to verify facts and reassure tourists that wildlife businesses in the area operate legally under official oversight.
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