White lion cub seized from illegal hotel in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI — On 18 September 2026, Thai authorities detained a Chinese national after discovering a 2-3 month old white lion cub allegedly being kept illegally in an unlicensed hotel in Chiang Mai. The operation, conducted around 15:00 on the same day, involved officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, Chiang Mai district officials, and Protected Area Administration Office 16.

The raid took place at a building located at 84 Charoensuk Road in Chang Phueak subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai district, following reports from residents about loud roaring noises emanating from the premises for the past few days.

Upon searching the building, officers discovered the white lion cub on the second floor. They also found photographs documenting the cub's growth over the past months. A 40-year-old Chinese woman, identified as Wang, was the building's housekeeper and claimed responsibility for the cub. During the inspection, officials from Protected Area Administration Office 16 determined that the cub had no microchip and no permit to be kept.

Consequently, the cub was seized for further examination since the woman could not provide proof of legal ownership.

Moreover, authorities found that the building had been renovated and converted into a tourist accommodation, primarily catering to Chinese visitors. The building had been submitted for hotel registration, but the application was rejected. Despite this, the premises continued operating as a hotel without proper licensing. Wang was taken to Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station to face legal proceedings.

She is charged with possessing protected wildlife without permission and operating a hotel without a license. Authorities also plan to investigate the alleged financiers behind the property and any Thai nationals involved in acquiring the building.