Residents Raise Concerns Over Private Exotic Animal Facility in Songkhla

Residents in Tha Kham, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, have voiced significant concerns regarding a private facility that keeps elephants, tigers, and ligers. According to reports from Khaosod Online, the facility occupies approximately one rai of land and is enclosed by a two-meter-high wall. The site reportedly houses four elephants, including two calves, as well as tigers and ligers—a hybrid of a tiger and a lion. Local complaints center on persistent foul odors and wastewater issues, alongside anxieties regarding the safety of the surrounding community. Specifically, residents noted that the elephants are kept chained by two legs within the enclosure. In response to the public outcry, local officials have stated that the facility operates with the necessary legal permits and that the enclosures meet current regulatory standards. For residents and visitors in the area, this situation highlights ongoing debates regarding the management of exotic animals in residential zones. While authorities maintain that the operation is compliant with existing laws, the impact on local environmental quality and the welfare of the animals remain points of contention. It is currently unconfirmed whether further inspections will be conducted to address the specific complaints regarding sanitation and animal handling practices.