Thai YouTuber held for having bat soup. Details here

Thai YouTuber Phonchanok Srisunaklua, whose channel is "Eat Spicy and Delicious" (Gin Zap Bep Nua Nua), was arrested after uploading a video of herself eating bat soup spiced with cherry tomatoes. Anger about the potential outbreak of new pandemic viruses led to the suspect's detention.

SARS-CoV-2, the bat species most closely associated with the COVID-19 epidemic, is also found in this region. Phonchanok is seen on tape butchering the animals, dipping them in a fiery sauce, and then allegedly tasting the "wonderful" meat while bringing it closer to the camera and pointing at its fangs. She then proceeds to gnaw on the "soft bones" of the animal.

Several neurological disorders have been linked to bat consumption.

According to prior studies, a high-volume consumption of flying foxes or bats may be dangerous due to their penchant for cycad seeds, which are rich in the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). Given that the rats retain 90 per cent of ingested BMAA rather than excreted, it is safe to assume that bats contain a significant amount of neurotoxins.

Bat viruses are potentially lethal.

People may get the Australian bat lyssavirus via the saliva of infected bats due to a bat bite, scratch, or contact between saliva and broken skin. Rabies is a fatal disease that it might potentially transmit.

FAQ

How many years will Phonchanok Srisunaklua spend in jail?
She is expected to spend at least five years in jail.

Are bats dangerous when eaten?
Yes, they are linked to several diseases.