They said Montri Boonprom-on, 41, faces charges of possessing wildlife and carcasses and could face up to four years in jail and a massive fine.

Boonsprom-on owns an exotic pet shop at Bangkok's renowned Chatuchak weekend market and has previously been convicted of wildlife trade.

Thailand is a hub of the international black market in protected animals. While the country is a member of a convention regulating international trade in endangered species, Thai law does not extend protection to many foreign species.

Police also found a hornbill and a leopard, both protected by Thai law, which were packed in a box and were scheduled to be delivered to clients on Monday.

"We have been monitoring the location for a few days after the neighbours complained about the noise from the animals," said the police.

Boonprom-on said the lions were shipped legally to Bangkok from Africa and were waiting to be moved to a zoo in North-East Thailand. He did not explain why only 14 lions remained at his warehouse, while the documents showed he had imported 16.

The animals were confiscated and are now under the care of the Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.