The footage, uploaded by a Facebook user, depicted a man driving a Bentley with the cub, wearing a chained collar, in the back on Phratamnak Soi 5. Tourist and immigration police, along with park officials, are verifying the legality of the cub's ownership and assessing the public safety implications.

They are seeking proof of CITES registration for the lion, which is mandatory for ownership. In Chonburi, 15 lions are legally registered.

The exotic pets, favored by some wealthy Thais and foreigners, can cost 500,000 baht. Unregistered ownership of CITES-listed animals could result in a year's jail time or a 100,000 baht fine.