Thai Woman Clones Beloved Dog, Making History in Pet Genetics

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

In a heartfelt venture blending science and emotion, a 50-year-old animal lover from Ban Pong district, Ratchaburi province, has made history by cloning her cherished French Bulldog. Kanjanrat Sakdigratanasiri, affectionately known as Kai, invested 6 million baht (approximately $176,560) to bring her beloved dog, Pha Phang, back to life through cloning, creating Thailand's first genetically cloned dog.

Pha Phang, a playful and lively five-month-old puppy, shows only slight differences in her left ear compared to the original dog, which passed away due to Canine Cushing’s syndrome. Driven by a profound emotional bond, Kanjanrat sought the expertise of Dr. Supasek Sonjit, Thailand’s pioneering veterinarian in canine cloning, to revive Pha Phang.

Before proceeding, Dr. Sonjit questioned Kanjanrat about future care provisions for Pha Phang in the event of her passing. Kanjanrat addressed this by preparing a will to ensure care for Pha Phang and her other 16 dogs. She also showed readiness to face any societal criticism regarding her decision.

For Kanjanrat, the expense was not about acquiring another pet but about rekindling a treasured connection. She described Pha Phang as an emotional anchor during hard times, justifying the considerable financial outlay, which could otherwise purchase numerous new dogs.

The cloning journey involved extracting cells from Pha Phang and sending them to South Korea, where cloning expert Dr. Hwang Woo Suk cultured them. Initial attempts faced setbacks, as the puppies struggled to breathe independently at birth. Success came on the fifth attempt, culminating a year-long effort and achieving a first in Thai cloning history.

The total process cost around 6 million baht, with Dr. Hwang generously waiving the additional genetic engineering fees in admiration of Kanjanrat's devotion to her dog.

Upon meeting the cloned Pha Phang, the puppy displayed recognition of Kanjanrat and understood Thai commands, sparking discussions on the retention of memories in cloned animals. Despite potential ethical debates and criticism over her decision, Kanjanrat views cloning as a means of advancing love without harm, asking for respect for her personal choices.

The late Pha Phang’s body remains preserved, awaiting a future burial at Kanjanrat's home—a decision that reflects her enduring attachment to her pet and her embrace of scientific possibilities to honour that bond, reported The Thaiger.