A woman in Thailand has been arrested after a video went viral showing her pet lion riding in the back of an open-top Bentley in the streets of Pattaya. The lion cub was chained and being driven around by a Sri Lankan man who has since left the country. The woman, Sawangjit Kosoongnern, is believed to be a friend of the man. While it is not illegal to own a lion in Thailand, it must be officially registered.

The video of the lion riding in the Bentley has gained a lot of attention online. Many people are shocked and concerned about the treatment of the lion and the safety of those around it. The incident has sparked a debate about the ownership of exotic animals and the regulations surrounding them.

Thailand is known for its tourism industry, and incidents like this can have a negative impact on the country’s reputation. Animal welfare organizations are calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the well-being of exotic animals and the safety of the public.

It is important for individuals to understand the responsibilities and risks involved in owning exotic animals. While it may seem exciting or glamorous to have a pet lion, it is essential to consider the animal’s welfare and the potential dangers it poses. Owning an exotic animal requires proper care, training, and a suitable environment.

In conclusion, the arrest of a woman in Thailand after her pet lion was filmed riding in an open-top Bentley has sparked a discussion about the ownership of exotic animals and the need for stricter regulations. It is crucial for individuals to consider the well-being of these animals and the potential risks they pose.

Original news source: Thailand: Lion filmed riding in open-top Bentley (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Charades
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a list of words related to the article (e.g. lion, Bentley, Thailand, exotic animals). One person from each group will act out a word without speaking, while the rest of the group tries to guess the word. The first group to guess correctly gets a point. Repeat with different words from the list.

– News Summary
Instructions: Have students write a short summary of the article in their own words. Encourage them to include the main points and key details. After they finish, have a class discussion where students share their summaries and compare them. Discuss any differences or similarities in their understanding of the article.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a set of questions related to the article (e.g. Do you think it should be legal to own exotic animals? Should there be stricter regulations for owning exotic animals?). In their groups, students should discuss their opinions and come up with answers to the questions. After they finish, have a class discussion where students share their opinions and reasoning.

– Word Association
Instructions: Write a word related to the article on the board (e.g. lion). Ask students to quickly brainstorm and write down as many words or phrases as they can think of that are related to that word. After a few minutes, have students share their lists and discuss the connections between the words. Repeat with different words related to the article.

– Sketch It
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a scene or situation from the article (e.g. the lion riding in the Bentley, the woman being arrested). In their groups, students should sketch a visual representation of the scene or situation. After they finish, have a gallery walk where groups can view and discuss each other’s sketches.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What sparked the debate about the ownership of exotic animals in Thailand?
2. Why are animal welfare organizations calling for stricter regulations and enforcement?
3. What potential dangers do exotic animals pose to the public?
4. What are some of the responsibilities involved in owning an exotic animal?
5. Why is it important to consider the well-being of exotic animals?
6. How can incidents like the one with the lion riding in the Bentley impact Thailand’s reputation?
7. What is the current legal status of owning a lion in Thailand?
8. Why did the video of the lion riding in the Bentley gain a lot of attention online?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A (1)______ in Thailand has been (2)______ after a video went viral showing her pet lion riding in the back of an open-top Bentley in the streets of Pattaya. The lion cub was chained and being driven around by a Sri (3)______ man who has since left the country. The woman, (4)______ Kosoongnern, is believed to be a friend of the man. While it is not illegal to own a lion in Thailand, it must be officially registered.

The video of the lion riding in the Bentley has gained a lot of attention online. Many people are (5)______ and concerned about the treatment of the lion and the safety of those around it. The (6)______ has sparked a debate about the ownership of exotic animals and the regulations surrounding them.

Thailand is (7)______ for its tourism (8)______, and incidents like this can have a negative impact on the country’s reputation. (9)______ welfare organizations are (10)______ for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the well-being of exotic animals and the safety of the public.

It is important for individuals to understand the responsibilities and risks involved in owning exotic animals. While it may seem exciting or (11)______ to have a pet lion, it is essential to consider the animal’s welfare and the (12)______ dangers it poses. Owning an (13)______ animal requires proper care, training, and a suitable environment.

In conclusion, the arrest of a woman in (14)______ after her pet lion was filmed riding in an open-top Bentley has sparked a discussion about the ownership of exotic (15)______ and the need for (16)______ regulations. It is crucial for individuals to consider the well-being of these animals and the potential risks they pose.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on owning exotic animals as pets?
2. How would you feel if you saw a lion riding in the back of a car in your city?
3. Do you think it is ethical to own exotic animals? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever seen someone with an exotic pet in your country? How did you feel about it?
5. What do you think should be the regulations for owning exotic animals?
6. Do you think incidents like this can negatively impact a country’s reputation? Why or why not?
7. What are some potential dangers or risks of owning an exotic animal as a pet?
8. How do you think owning an exotic animal affects the animal’s welfare?
9. Have you ever had a pet? If so, what responsibilities did you have as a pet owner?
10. Do you think it is fair to chain up an exotic animal like a lion? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the presence of exotic animals in a city can affect the safety of the public?
12. What are some alternatives to owning exotic animals as pets?
13. How do you think stricter regulations on owning exotic animals could be enforced?
14. Have you ever visited a zoo or wildlife sanctuary? How did you feel about the animals there?
15. What do you think is the best way to educate the public about the responsibilities of owning exotic animals?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. viral
2. exotic
3. welfare
4. regulations
5. glamorous
6. responsibilities
7. enforcement
8. crucial
9. sparked
10. debate
11. negative
12. reputation
13. tourism
14. industry
15. suitable

Meanings:
(A) The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group
(B) Duties or obligations associated with a role or position
(C) Appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose, person, or occasion
(D) Originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country
(E) Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority
(F) A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly
(G) The business or practice of traveling for pleasure
(H) Spread rapidly through the internet to a large audience
(I) Caused to begin or ignited a process or event
(J) Having a detrimental effect or influence
(K) Of great importance or necessity in achieving a desired outcome
(L) The overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general
(M) A particular form of economic or commercial activity
(N) Appearing to be attractive or exciting, often deceptively so
(O) The act of compelling compliance with laws or regulations
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What sparked a debate about the ownership of exotic animals in Thailand?
(a) The arrest of a woman in Thailand
(b) The negative impact on the country’s reputation
(c) Animal welfare organizations calling for stricter regulations
(d) The video of a lion riding in a Bentley

2. What is the current status of owning a lion in Thailand?
(a) It is illegal and punishable by law
(b) It is legal without any registration required
(c) It is not illegal, but must be officially registered
(d) It is legal, but only with special permits

3. What are animal welfare organizations calling for in response to the incident?
(a) Stricter regulations and enforcement
(b) A ban on owning exotic animals
(c) More tourism in Thailand
(d) The release of the lion cub

4. What is the potential impact of incidents like this on Thailand’s reputation?
(a) Positive impact on the country’s reputation
(b) No impact on the country’s reputation
(c) Negative impact on the country’s reputation
(d) Increase in tourism to Thailand

5. What should individuals consider before owning an exotic animal?
(a) The excitement and glamour of owning a pet lion
(b) The regulations and enforcement in place
(c) The potential risks to the public
(d) The animal’s welfare and potential dangers

6. What is the main concern regarding the treatment of the lion in the video?
(a) The safety of those around it
(b) The lion being driven in a Bentley
(c) The lion being chained
(d) The lion’s registration status

7. Who was driving the Bentley with the lion cub in the video?
(a) Sawangjit Kosoongnern
(b) A Sri Lankan man
(c) A friend of the woman
(d) The woman herself

8. What is the current attitude towards owning exotic animals in Thailand?
(a) It is widely accepted and encouraged
(b) It is a topic of debate and concern
(c) It is illegal and strictly enforced
(d) It is not a significant issue in the country

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The woman is believed to be a stranger to the man who was driving the lion.
2. A woman in Thailand was released after a video of her pet lion riding in a Bentley went viral.
3. The incident has sparked a debate about the ownership of exotic animals and the regulations surrounding them.
4. Owning a lion in Thailand is illegal and cannot be officially registered.
5. It is not important for individuals to understand the responsibilities and risks involved in owning exotic animals.
6. Animal welfare organizations are calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the well-being of exotic animals and the safety of the public.
7. The video of the lion riding in the Bentley has gained a lot of attention online.
8. The lion cub was chained and being driven around by a Sri Lankan man who has left the country.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What sparked the debate about the ownership of exotic animals in Thailand?
2. Why are animal welfare organizations calling for stricter regulations and enforcement?
3. What are the potential dangers of owning an exotic animal?
4. Why is it important for individuals to understand the responsibilities of owning an exotic animal?
5. How can incidents like the one with the lion riding in the Bentley impact Thailand’s reputation in the tourism industry?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The video of a lion riding in the back of a Bentley sparked the debate about the ownership of exotic animals in Thailand.
2. Animal welfare organizations are calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the well-being of exotic animals and the safety of the public.
3. Exotic animals can pose potential dangers to the public due to their unpredictable behavior and the risk of escape or attack.
4. Some responsibilities involved in owning an exotic animal include providing proper care, training, and a suitable environment, as well as ensuring the animal is registered and following all legal requirements.
5. It is important to consider the well-being of exotic animals because they have specific needs and require specialized care to thrive in captivity.
6. Incidents like the one with the lion riding in the Bentley can have a negative impact on Thailand’s reputation, particularly in the tourism industry, as it raises concerns about animal welfare and safety.
7. Owning a lion in Thailand is not illegal, but it must be officially registered.
8. The video of the lion riding in the Bentley gained a lot of attention online due to the shocking and concerning treatment of the lion and the potential risks it posed to those around it.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) woman
(2) arrested
(3) Lankan
(4) Sawangjit
(5) shocked
(6) incident
(7) known
(8) industry
(9) Animal
(10) calling
(11) glamorous
(12) potential
(13) exotic
(14) Thailand
(15) animals
(16) stricter
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. viral
Answer: (H) Spread rapidly through the internet to a large audience

2. exotic
Answer: (D) Originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country

3. welfare
Answer: (A) The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group

4. regulations
Answer: (E) Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority

5. glamorous
Answer: (N) Appearing to be attractive or exciting, often deceptively so

6. responsibilities
Answer: (B) Duties or obligations associated with a role or position

7. enforcement
Answer: (O) The act of compelling compliance with laws or regulations

8. crucial
Answer: (K) Of great importance or necessity in achieving a desired outcome

9. sparked
Answer: (I) Caused to begin or ignited a process or event

10. debate
Answer: (F) A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly

11. negative
Answer: (J) Having a detrimental effect or influence

12. reputation
Answer: (L) The overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general

13. tourism
Answer: (G) The business or practice of traveling for pleasure

14. industry
Answer: (M) A particular form of economic or commercial activity

15. suitable
Answer: (C) Appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose, person, or occasion
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What sparked a debate about the ownership of exotic animals in Thailand?
Answer: (d) The video of a lion riding in a Bentley

2. What is the current status of owning a lion in Thailand?
Answer: (c) It is not illegal, but must be officially registered

3. What are animal welfare organizations calling for in response to the incident?
Answer: (a) Stricter regulations and enforcement

4. What is the potential impact of incidents like this on Thailand’s reputation?
Answer: (c) Negative impact on the country’s reputation

5. What should individuals consider before owning an exotic animal?
Answer: (d) The animal’s welfare and potential dangers

6. What is the main concern regarding the treatment of the lion in the video?
Answer: (a) The safety of those around it

7. Who was driving the Bentley with the lion cub in the video?
Answer: (b) A Sri Lankan man

8. What is the current attitude towards owning exotic animals in Thailand?
Answer: (b) It is a topic of debate and concern
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The woman is believed to be a stranger to the man who was driving the lion. (Answer: False)
2. A woman in Thailand was released after a video of her pet lion riding in a Bentley went viral. (Answer: False)
3. The incident has sparked a debate about the ownership of exotic animals and the regulations surrounding them. (Answer: True)
4. Owning a lion in Thailand is illegal and cannot be officially registered. (Answer: False)
5. It is not important for individuals to understand the responsibilities and risks involved in owning exotic animals. (Answer: False)
6. Animal welfare organizations are calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the well-being of exotic animals and the safety of the public. (Answer: True)
7. The video of the lion riding in the Bentley has gained a lot of attention online. (Answer: True)
8. The lion cub was chained and being driven around by a Sri Lankan man who has left the country. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧