Rihanna Instagram Pics 2013: Thai Locals Arrested Over Slow Loris Selfie
During her recent voyage to island of Phuket, Thailand, Rihanna has been sharing many of her experiences with her fans and followers on Twitter and Instagram, and she had no idea that one of her photos could get two Thai locals in trouble.
What stirred up the whole controversy was Rihanna's photo of herself, posing with an endangered primate native to Southeast Asia, known as slow loris. The contentious photo is believed to have been taken at Phuket nightlife hotspot Bangla Road, with the caption, "look who was talkin dirty to me!" The photo instantly got more than 230,000 'likes' on Instagram.
According to the local website, Phuketnews.com, the government ordered the Ministry of Natural Resources and Phuket officials to urgently investigate the matter.
The police arrested two Thai locals, aged 16 and 20, and confiscated their two lorises.
Phuket district chief Weera Kerdsirimongkon mentioned, "Phuket authorities were alerted to the picture, and last night police arrested the two individuals who brought out the loris as a photo opportunity for tourists."
It is illegal for anyone to charge tourists money to take photos with the endangered animals, and wildlife exploitation has been a great issue in Thailand, and now both men could face charges of possession of protected species, which can result in four years in prison and a 40,000 baht ($1,300) fine, while Rihanna doesn't seem to be facing any charges.
The two lorises are being returned to a national park in the province of Phang Nga, the two Thai locals are waiting to be bailed, and Rihanna continues her Diamond World Tour in Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!