The body of a zookeeper eaten alive by lions has been returned to his family for a funeral.

Jian Rangkharasamee, 58, was mauled to death by the big cats when he stepped out of his vehicle at the safari zone of Safari World in Bangkok on Wednesday.

His sister Rattana Rangkharasamee, 51, collected his remains today to undergo ceremonies according to the Mon ethnic group's religious beliefs.

She urged people not to accuse Jian of negligence, saying: 'Many have commented on my brother's behaviour, suggesting that it may have been negligence that led to his death. They questioned why he left the jeep.

'Our family would like to ask for sympathy from them, as we have no idea what exactly happened at the time. The negative comments blaming him have greatly impacted our family's mental state and caused significant emotional distress.'

She added that Safari World's human resources department has reached out to discuss compensation.

Wildlife officials have since closed the zoo's safari zone to review safety protocols.

Sadudee Phanphakdee, director of the Wild Fauna and Flora Protection, said: 'Officials are conducting a safety inspection to determine what contingency plans were in place for such incidents, as well as the safety measures that existed before it occurred. We will also verify the legality of the lion's ownership since the park possesses 32 lions.'

The beasts at the zoo were not known to have previously harmed people. However, they pounced on Jian when he stepped out of his jeep to pick up rubbish from the floor in the open enclosure.

Shocked visitors screamed as the predators pinned down their victim. They could only sound their horns in a futile attempt to scare away the sub-Saharan big cats as they feasted on human flesh.

Officials later arrived with guns, which caused the lions to scatter, but Jian was already mauled to death, the lions gnawing his body until the bones were exposed.

DNP director-general Atthapol Charoenchansa said he immediately sent staff to inspect the zone where the attack took place.

He said: 'Authorities are still investigating the suitability of the lions' habitat. We are yet to determine the exact cause of the attack.'

Police Colonel Niruchpol Yothamat, superintendent of Khannayao Police Station, said after inspecting the scene: ‘The victim was a supervisor aged 58 who has 30 years of experience, chasing animals when they came out of their enclosure.

‘Normally, he would remain in the vehicle because the sound of the engine would drive the lions away. However, the incident occurred because he got out from the driver's side. The vehicle's door was still open.'

Lions are classified as controlled wildlife in Thailand, requiring owners to follow strict regulations to ensure safety.

Thailand currently has 37 registered lion owners possessing 223 lions, 39 of which are in Bangkok. Those who fail to register or violate wildlife ownership laws could face up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Safari World vowed in a statement to fully support Jian's family and urgently review safety precautions at the zoo.

It said: 'In more than 40 years of operation, no similar incidents have occurred because both visitors and staff are reminded not to leave vehicles during open-zoo tours, particularly in areas with dangerous animals. The company will urgently inspect and strengthen safety measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.'