Phuket Police Clear Lion Cafe After Viral Attack Photo Is Revealed as Old

Phuket police have inspected a lion cafe in Chalong after photos circulating on social media appeared to show a Chinese tourist being attacked by a lion. Authorities later confirmed that the image was old and did not depict a recent incident.

Officers from Chalong Police Station visited Lion Cafe in Chalong, Mueang Phuket, on August 11 following concerns that the viral images could damage Phuket’s tourism reputation. The inspection was led by Police Colonel Surasak Jaidee, superintendent of Chalong Police Station.

During the inspection, officers checked the cafe’s operating licence and examined documentation for the two lions kept at the premises. Both animals were found to have valid ownership records and current vaccination certificates. According to the documents, the lions had been vaccinated against rabies and tetanus, with the records certified by Happy Paws Animal Hospital.

Police found no evidence that the incident shown in the widely shared photograph had recently taken place. The cafe manager told officers that the image was taken around December 2025 and was not connected to a new attack.

The inspection followed renewed attention to an earlier report involving a Chinese tourist who was allegedly bitten on the arm by a lion cub during a paid interaction at a lion cafe in Phuket. The business involved was not identified in that report.

According to the earlier account, cafe staff initially treated the tourist’s injury with iodine. The visitor later paid for a rabies vaccination after developing mild fever and soreness. The case subsequently gained significant attention on Chinese social media.

Police also inspected another lion-related business, Lion Land Phuket, in the same subdistrict. Officers found that the establishment had a valid public health hazardous business licence issued by Chalong Subdistrict Municipality, while documentation for the lions was also in order.

Phuket Tourist Police separately checked the animals’ vaccination records, as well as the businesses’ trade registration and public health hazardous business licences. Officers instructed staff to monitor the lions’ behaviour carefully, supervise all interactions with visitors and follow appropriate safety procedures whenever tourists are allowed to interact with the animals.

The authorities stressed that lions are classified as controlled wildlife under Thailand’s Wild Animal Conservation Act. Phuket has previously seen enforcement action involving businesses keeping lions, including the seizure of a lion cub known as Nong Kiwi in February 2024 and a raid on a lion cafe in Rassada in January 2025.

Chalong Police said the latest inspections were carried out to establish the facts surrounding the viral images and prevent misinformation from causing unnecessary concern. Authorities also said the checks were intended to reassure tourists and residents that businesses keeping controlled wildlife are operating legally and remain subject to official oversight.