Chinese duo nabbed in Phuket café lion cub photo scam
Two Chinese nationals were arrested in Phuket after allegedly using lion cubs to lure tourists to The Glass House Cafe and Space, charging them for photo sessions with the animals.
The café, located on Ratsada-Anusorn Road in Ratsada, has a history of similar wildlife abuse scandals, including last year’s notorious incident involving a cub named Nong Kiwi.
Armed with a search warrant, Region 8 Police raided the café at 1.30pm on Wednesday, January 22. Inside, officers discovered a bustling crowd of customers interacting with three lion cubs brought in specifically for the business. The café charged 500 baht for five minutes with larger cubs and 1,000 baht for the smaller ones.
Investigations revealed that the café is owned by a Chinese national who hired another Chinese individual as an interpreter, catering primarily to Chinese and other foreign customers. During the raid, police identified two suspects working at the café: 42 year old Bin Bin Cai and 38 year old Chen Hong. Both held valid passports but lacked work permits.
Police have not confirmed if Chen is the same individual charged in last year’s scandal involving the lion cub Nong Kiwi. However, the pair now face charges of working illegally as foreign nationals without proper authorisation.
The suspects were taken to Phuket City Police Station for questioning and further legal proceedings. Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to uncover more details about the café’s operations and potential wildlife abuse, reported The Phuket News.
In related news, a Thai man is under investigation by the Department of National Parks (DNP) for transporting a lion cub without proper safety measures, a clear breach of wildlife transport laws. The man’s legal lion lapse could cost him dearly, with penalties including up to a year in prison and a hefty 100,000 baht fine. The situation roared into the spotlight after a viral post showcased the curious cub clambering freely around a car, tugging at the heartstrings of netizens.
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