Swiss Dog Owner Defies Thai Beach Ban, Sparking Fear Among Locals and Tourists

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A Swiss man has reignited controversy by defying a ban on walking his dogs at Suan Luang Beach, Bang Saphan district, despite previous attacks on tourists. The issue, which first drew widespread attention in August 2024, resurfaced after Mathias, the dog owner, was spotted on the beach on 20 January with four unleashed dogs, two large and two small.

 

On 23 January, Thai and foreign tourists joined residents of Suan Luang Beach to lodge a formal complaint with the Pong Prasad Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO). They reported that Mathias, who had been ordered to remove his dogs from the area while legal proceedings were ongoing, has continued to disregard the ban, raising fears for public safety.

 

Residents provided video evidence of Mathias walking his dogs without collars or leashes. The footage also shows tourists and locals, including children, remaining stationary out of fear of another attack. Witnesses claim Mathias was indifferent to being filmed and even gestured at the cameras.

 

Mr Thip Ruenkasem, 56, a local resident who recorded the video, expressed concern over the incident’s impact on tourism. “Since the first dog attacks, visitors have been hesitant to come to Suan Luang Beach. It has affected tourism revenue significantly,” he said.

 

“The Pong Prasad SAO ordered Mathias to remove his dogs to prevent further incidents until the legal case is resolved. However, he has blatantly ignored the order and continues to walk his dogs here. This is a clear disregard for Thai law,” Mr Thip added.

 

One of the victims of the previous incidents, Mr Rolf, a 76-year-old Swiss national, said he was bitten by one of Mathias’ dogs in August 2024. Following the attack, he returned to Switzerland, cutting his trip short.

 

“I was relieved when I heard Mathias had been banned from keeping the dogs,” Rolf said. “But when I came back to Thailand, I was shocked to see him still walking the same dogs on the beach. This raises serious questions about the enforcement of the ban.”

 

Mr Thanachai Buachuang, president of the Pong Prasad SAO, acknowledged the long-standing issue. He explained that while the SAO had mediated discussions and acted in accordance with the law, Mathias’ lawyer appealed the case. A subsequent investigation by the Department of Health, Zone 5, in Ratchaburi found no aggressive dogs at Mathias’ property, leading to the case being dropped.

 

However, locals allege that Mathias hides his dogs during inspections. “When aggressive dogs are found, we intend to enforce the original order to remove them. But Mathias has evaded these measures, which has led to ongoing complaints,” Mr Thanachai said.

 

The situation has reignited fears among tourists and locals, with many calling for stricter enforcement of the ban to ensure public safety and restore confidence in the area as a tourist destination.

 

-- 2025-01-25

 

[Gottfrid]

Mr. Mathias is a crazy self-entitled lunatic that needs to be arrested, fined, hopefully jailed and when time served, deported as a persona non grata.

[MikeandDow]

Not doing himself any favors !!  swiss nutjob

[Ctkong]

Probably he think not wrongly that using lawyers and throwing money at the problem will make it go away . The hell with other beach users. Thailand seem to attract such undesirables and white trash like flies attracted to garbage dumps. 

[Domestar]

Fine him all the way back to the Alps 

[Rickman66]

Fill him full of holes like Swiss cheese 

[terryofcrete]

Needs a Large Toblerone insertion ! 

[Briggsy]

What a self-entitled anti-social prat causing misery for others and selfishly commandeering the beach effectively.

 

It is also a complete demonstration of how utterly useless and incompetent Thai law enforcement is when not commanded from on high.

[malt25]

Safety is certainly an issue. Another issue, does he pick up the crap after the pooches have done their business ?

[Bruce Aussie Chiang Mai]

1 minute ago, malt25 said:

Safety is certainly an issue. Another issue, does he pick up the crap after the pooches have done their business ?

No, leavers it there for others to feel between their toes.

[Frankie baby]

Generally the Swiss are ok & easy going. But you get the odd one (like in this case) that's real stubborn. Theirs plenty ways to sort him out, but what will happen to the dogs if he has to go.

If he really cares for these dogs then he needs to stop pissing people off PROMPTO.   

[SiSePuede419]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Since the first dog attacks, visitors have been hesitant to come to Suan Luang Beach. It has affected tourism revenue significantly,” he said.

Hey, I got a solution...

 

Grab a sturdy piece of driftwood and beat the <deleted> out of these vicious animals. 

If the owner tries to stop you, do the same to them.

Problem solved, mild mannered townsfolk.

"Self defense" 👍

[RJRS1301]

8 minutes ago, malt25 said:

Safety is certainly an issue. Another issue, does he pick up the crap after the pooches have done their business ?

No, probably believes that natural takes care of natures calls

 

[harryviking]

 What is wrong with the law enforcers??? Are they jus for show or are they supposed to protect the people and arrest this damn lunatic swiss! Seems like "certain" Swiss people have a tendency to provoke everybody....🙄

[harryviking]

5 minutes ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Hey, I got a solution...

 

Grab a sturdy piece of driftwood and beat the <deleted> out of these vicious animals. 

If the owner tries to stop you, do the same to them.

Problem solved, mild mannered townsfolk.

"Self defense" 👍

In the part of Thailand I live, dogs like this has a tendency to suddenly fall over and die....I wonder why..🙄.

[edwardflory]

Arrest him, impound the dogs.  Animals ( any animal ) that attacks people or other animals should be put down.

 

I've had dogs and cats all my life with no attack animals.

[riverhigh]

No point fining him, he will never learn. A complete waste of space. Deport this self-entitled pr&$K! People like him give us law-abiding folk a bad reputation. 

[Michael Headland]

1 hour ago, Gottfrid said:

Mr. Mathias is a crazy self-entitled lunatic that needs to be arrested, fined, hopefully jailed and when time served, deported as a persona non grata.

In Switzland the law is

the Law or else. This chap has a attitude problem should be fined and jailed. 

[kuzmabruk]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

locals allege that Mathias hides his dogs during inspections

Just like walking street, small casinos, etc. etc. 

[norfolkandchance]

25 minutes ago, harryviking said:

In the part of Thailand I live, dogs like this has a tendency to suddenly fall over and die....I wonder why..🙄.

Tainted meat is the preferred method where we live.

[Mahseer]

Pretty sure this is old news. I know the man in question and used to see him and typically 3 of his ridgeback dogs early each morning on the beach when in town but after numerous complaints the authorities took action and he was forced to relocate his dogs to a farm outside town. Was in Bang Saphan for 2 weeks over new year and walked the beach each day at daybreak and didn't see him once and when I visited his residence was told he spends each day visiting his dogs.

[Spock]

33 minutes ago, harryviking said:

In the part of Thailand I live, dogs like this has a tendency to suddenly fall over and die....I wonder why..🙄.

Because some sadistic animal poisoned them? Just as I imagine has been the fate of plenty of non-aggressive dogs too.

[praguecr]

Through his ass in jail. Better yet deport him. So tired of foreigners (if which i am one)  belligerent here in Thailand misbehaving. Go back to Switzerland and pull that crap. 

[proton]

1 minute ago, Spock said:

Because some sadistic animal poisoned them?

 

More like concerned local hero dealt with the vermin problem

[bkk6060]

If walk there take a 5 iron.

[praguecr]

1 hour ago, Ctkong said:

Probably he think not wrongly that using lawyers and throwing money at the problem will make it go away . The hell with other beach users. Thailand seem to attract such undesirables and white trash like flies attracted to garbage dumps. 

I am a white foreigner and i agree with you!

[Georgealbert]

9 minutes ago, Mahseer said:

Pretty sure this is old news. I know the man in question and used to see him and typically 3 of his ridgeback dogs early each morning on the beach when in town but after numerous complaints the authorities took action and he was forced to relocate his dogs to a farm outside town. Was in Bang Saphan for 2 weeks over new year and walked the beach each day at daybreak and didn't see him once and when I visited his residence was told he spends each day visiting his dogs.

Not old news, trying reading the article or I will have you post removed your post for breaking forum rules.

 

 

 

 

[Gottfrid]

13 minutes ago, Mahseer said:

Pretty sure this is old news. I know the man in question and used to see him and typically 3 of his ridgeback dogs early each morning on the beach when in town but after numerous complaints the authorities took action and he was forced to relocate his dogs to a farm outside town. Was in Bang Saphan for 2 weeks over new year and walked the beach each day at daybreak and didn't see him once and when I visited his residence was told he spends each day visiting his dogs.

Sure it is. The year on the picture is fake and made up! 

 

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Or what do think? 

[digger70]

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The Pong Prasad SAO ordered Mathias to remove his dogs to prevent further incidents until the legal case is resolved. However, he has blatantly ignored the order and continues to walk his dogs here. This is a clear disregard for Thai law,” Mr Thip added.

Ok that man is n @ss Wipe , But.But what about All the Thousands of Other Thai Dogs/Soi dogs that Roam the streets and  Terrorize the Locals and Tourists That's OK by the the Law is it? why not round them up and Get Rid of them.

[Captain Flack]

A troll post about Trump has been removed.

 

@thurianany further nonsense in the news section, then expect a posting suspension.