Authorities Investigate Chiang Mai Lion Café Following Tourist Injury

On September 3, 2026, officials from the Wildlife Conservation Division of the Protected Area Administration Office 16 (Chiang Mai) launched an investigation into a local lion café. This action followed reports on social media regarding a Chinese tourist who sustained facial injuries after being bitten by a lion cub while posing for photographs.

According to Khaosod Online, the café had been granted temporary permission to house four lion cubs for 30 days, from August 17 to September 16, 2026, for exhibition and photography purposes. A representative for the venue stated that the incident occurred on August 28. The café claims the tourist had followed safety protocols, including hand sanitization and receiving instructions from staff, before the interaction took place. The venue has since refunded the tourist's package fee and provided an additional 4,000 baht in compensation.

For travelers and residents, this incident highlights the risks associated with wildlife interaction attractions. While the café asserts that safety rules were in place, the involvement of wild animals in commercial settings remains a point of concern. It remains to be confirmed whether the café will face further regulatory action or if their temporary permit will be revoked following the investigation by wildlife authorities.