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Rabies Deaths Triple in Thailand: Urgent Alerts Issued

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11 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I may be an anti vax'er, but thankfully my dog isn't.  

 

Would you take a rabies vaccine if bitten by an unknown stray dog ?

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  • richard_smith237
    richard_smith237

    I wonder what the Anti-vaxxers do when they are bitten ?....     one of them disbelieves Rabies Virus is even a virus and that it does not even exist...     

  • richard_smith237
    richard_smith237

    I'm referring to a handful of folk on this forum who are 100% against ALL vaccines...   any...  and that goes for Measles (MMR), Polio etc...   (so not just a covid vax discussion - which again is sep

  • Define anti vaxxer?   One that does not take any vaccine, or one that does not take a particular vaccine ?   You seem to be if you aren't with us, you must be against us. 

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Just now, richard_smith237 said:

Would you take a rabies vaccine if bitten by an unknown stray dog ?

That's a pretty stupid F'g question.

 

NO, I'd definitely roll the dice with a 100% fatal disease :cheesy:

33 minutes ago, KhunLA said:
36 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Would you take a rabies vaccine if bitten by an unknown stray dog ?

That's a pretty stupid F'g question.

 

NO, I'd definitely roll the dice with a 100% fatal disease :cheesy:

 

 

Its good that your dog makes the important decisions in your household then !!!...  :clap2:

 

48 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

may be an anti vax'er, but thankfully my dog isn't.  

 

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Its good that your dog makes the important decisions in your household then !!!...  :clap2:

Yea, she's pretty responsible.  Drives herself to the vet, on E-MB of course, wearing a helmet, and pays by scanning the QR code with her iPhone 😎

4 minutes ago, KhunLA said:
12 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Its good that your dog makes the important decisions in your household then !!!...  :clap2:

Yea, she's pretty responsible.  Drives herself to the vet, on E-MB of course, wearing a helmet, and pays by scanning the QR code with her iPhone 😎

 

C'mon...  I don't buy that for a second....   MG don't make E-Bikes.....       :giggle:

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

No... It just makes you someone who commented without reading any other part of this thread !!! :whistling: 

 

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

I wonder what the Anti-vaxxers do when they are bitten ?....     one of them disbelieves Rabies Virus is even a virus and that it does not even exist...   

 

I responded to your post where you are if I'm not mistaken conflating, as so many on here do, anti-vaxxers and anti-mRNA vaxxers. These are not mutually inclusive. I pointed out I have undergone the rabies vaccine course (rabies being the subject of the thread) and I'm anti-mRNA "vaccines" (anti-vaxxers being the subject of your comment). How does this make me someone who did not read "any other part of this thread !!! :whistling:"?

Will have my first rabies shot tomorow. Been thinking a long time I should had done, because I expose myself to dogs when riding motorcycle around the backyards in my districts.

 

We also have 5 dogs now as well, even they are properly vaccinated, they can be infected by rabies and deliver infected bites.

Number of deaths tripling. Bad? It depends tripling from where. It if means 9 deaths instead of 3 it is what statisticians call "non significant".

 

The deaths from the drug exstasy in Buthan have increased tenfold compared to last year. Last year there were no deaths, this year there were 0 x 10 = 0. This is a worrying trend.

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

New-Project-3.jpg

Photo of Dr Phanumart Yanawetaskul courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Thailand faces a troubling surge in rabies-related fatalities, with deaths tripling compared to last year.

 

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported that this year has seen seven deaths from rabies across Chon Buri, Sisaket, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Tak, and Rayong. The increase has triggered concerns about public awareness and animal vaccination practices.

 

Dr Phanumart Yanawetaskul, DDC's Director General, disclosed that 90% of these infections were contracted from dogs and 10% from cats. The Department of Livestock Development recorded 164 rabies-positive animals, highlighting a growing issue.

 

Provinces most affected include Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Songkhla, Surin, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Mukdahan.

 

Dr Phanumart emphasised the importance of immediate action after exposure — washing wounds thoroughly, seeking medical help, and adhering to the rabies vaccination schedule are critical steps to prevent fatal outcomes. Wounds should be cleaned with soap and water for 10–15 minutes, followed by antiseptic use. Medical advice must be sought to initiate a full vaccination course. Animals involved should be monitored for ten days.

 

The rise in rabies cases is attributed to several factors: unvaccinated pets, improper wound care, and adopting stray animals without understanding the risks. Self-administered vaccines by pet owners may compromise effectiveness, resulting in lower than desired vaccination coverage. Unsupervised pets risk exposure to rabid animals, exacerbating the problem.

 

Public health officials urge the public to take rabies seriously and follow preventative measures. Annual vaccinations for pets by qualified veterinarians are crucial for maintaining effective immunity.

 

Dr Phanumart's key message to individuals bitten by potentially rabid animals is clear: wash, medicate, isolate, consult, and vaccinate.

 

For more information or assistance, contact the Department of Disease Control through their hotline at 1422. The urgency of this public health issue cannot be overstated, and community vigilance is vital in combating the spread of rabies and safeguarding lives.

 

In a climate where rabies remains a prevalent threat, taking swift and informed action can prevent further tragedies. The ability to recognise potential risks and respond appropriately lies at the heart of controlling this deadly disease.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-08

 

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So controlling soi dog's isn't the problem, amazing 

Funny but this is one of my greatest fears as an 80+ who still travels a lot, and who likes to take random walks after sunset and before dinner. If I get bit in Europe somewhere, there goes my trip. And Thailand is worse, the dogs absolutely cannot be trusted. It's not the pain of the bite, it's the schedule of multiple shots after.

 

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:
4 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I'm anti-mRNA jabs but have undergone the rabies vaccine course. Does this make me an anti-vaxxer?  

 

 

No... It just makes you someone who commented without reading any other part of this thread !!!  :whistling:

 

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I responded to your post where you are if I'm not mistaken conflating, as so many on here do, anti-vaxxers and anti-mRNA vaxxers. These are not mutually inclusive. I pointed out I have undergone the rabies vaccine course (rabies being the subject of the thread) and I'm anti-mRNA "vaccines" (anti-vaxxers being the subject of your comment). How does this make me someone who did not read "any other part of this thread !!! :whistling:"?

 

Because it was answered here >>>

 

 

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:
5 hours ago, sungod said:

Define anti vaxxer?

 

One that does not take any vaccine, or one that does not take a particular vaccine ?

 

You seem to be if you aren't with us, you must be against us. 

 

I'm referring to a handful of folk on this forum who are 100% against ALL vaccines...   any...  and that goes for Measles (MMR), Polio etc...   (so not just a covid vax discussion - which again is separate conversation, but also somewhat based around the hysteria of the anti-vax movement)....

 

And yes, as far as tested and proven vaccines are concerned... if someone is anti-vaccination, be it Rabies, Polio, MMR etc... then I am most definitely not with you, and by very definition, against you (and whoever the 'us' is you refer to).

 

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1 hour ago, JackGats said:

Number of deaths tripling. Bad? It depends tripling from where. It if means 9 deaths instead of 3 it is what statisticians call "non significant".

 

The deaths from the drug exstasy in Buthan have increased tenfold compared to last year. Last year there were no deaths, this year there were 0 x 10 = 0. This is a worrying trend.

 

I think the concern is not specifically about the number of rabies-related deaths; seven so far this year, if I’m not mistaken, but in the fact that its a threefold increase, which indicates a surge in cases among cats and dogs.

Thus: while the death toll itself remains relatively low, this spike in animal infections should not be dismissed.

 

At a certain point, rising case numbers cross a threshold; what might be called a critical mass, where the spread becomes self-sustaining and increasingly difficult to contain. When that happens, the risk of exponential transmission grows, especially in areas with high stray populations, low vaccination coverage, and poor public awareness.

 

What’s particularly worrying is that rabies, once established in an area, is extraordinarily difficult to eliminate. The virus is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, and by the time it's identified in animals, it's often too late to prevent transmission to humans.

 

Add to that the challenge of monitoring and controlling free-roaming or feral animals, and you have the makings of a public health problem that could easily escalate if left unchecked.

 

Additionally, public complacency plays a role, people often only become concerned when a crisis is already at their doorstep. But the true value of disease control lies in early intervention, not reactive panic.

 

Thus: with rising case numbers as an early warning signal, now is the time to step up surveillance, reinforce vaccination efforts in animals, and ensure that the public knows when and how to seek post-exposure treatment.

 

In short, while the current situation is clearly not a crisis, the trajectory suggests a growing risk that demands proactive management before it becomes a more serious problem.

 

 

So, while some may casually dismiss the current situation...saying, "It’s only a handful of cases".... that complacency is precisely what allows problems to grow unnoticed.

Fast-forward five years, and the very same voices may be asking, "Why wasn’t this addressed earlier?"

 

Public health threats rarely explode overnight; they build quietly, often in the background, while attention is elsewhere. By the time the consequences become visible, the opportunity for simple, preventive action has usually passed. What was once manageable now requires costly and complex intervention.

 

It’s far wiser to recognise the warning signs now and take measured, proactive steps, than to look back in hindsight, asking why no one acted when the risks were still containable.

 

Its exactly the same as the 'stray dog' sitation in the first place !!!

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5 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I've never bothered, but did notice the story has no actual numbers of deaths.

Which makes me think there are so few that it's just another disease scare story.

 

My pal was bitten by a dog while walking near wat doing Suthep two months back, he didn't bother either.


Your pal is an idiot. Why take the risk?  Rabies has a 100% death rate.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98wyllp170o

2 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:
5 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I've never bothered, but did notice the story has no actual numbers of deaths.

Which makes me think there are so few that it's just another disease scare story.

 

My pal was bitten by a dog while walking near wat doing Suthep two months back, he didn't bother either.


Your pal is an idiot. Why take the risk?  Rabies has a 100% death rate.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98wyllp170o

 

The survivor fallacy  which is often wheeled out; rather unintelligently, to justify poor decisions or just dumb behaviour....

 

“My mate fell off his motorcycle without a helmet and was absolutely fine”....  :whistling:

4 hours ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Because it costs MONEY!!!!!

I carry a walking stick. If something is crazy enough to attack a creature like me swinging a carbon fiber stick with a titanium tip, and Im too incompetent to kill it with one swipe and it bites me, Ill get a shot.

8 hours ago, Yagoda said:

I carry a walking stick. If something is crazy enough to attack a creature like me swinging a carbon fiber stick with a titanium tip, and Im too incompetent to kill it with one swipe and it bites me, Ill get a shot.

Unless you attract dogs, are scared of (they sense that and have fun with you), and run, which is worst thing you can do, but rare to get bit. 

 

I'm out a lot with the dog, and been approached more than a few times by the local pack, and they well know what the walking stick is for.  A lone dog is the one I'd be worried about, if aggressive, and not in front of it's house.

 

If one did bite me, especially ignoring my dog, then easy to assume it's infected.  All the local dogs, pack or alone are familiar with us.   Will bark at us, come close, maybe sniff her marking a spot, but know not to get too close.  Walking alone, other cities, I've never had an issue with soi dogs, as I seem to give off a 'F'off' aura.

 

Only once did I need to crack one over it's snout, and a local pack.  Broke my damn stick in half, and I think I dislocated it's jaw, as didn't look right as it yiped away.   2 companions followed the Alpha away, quickly losing interest in myself & dog.   Next time they spotted us, they didn't bother engaging :cheesy:   

 

Carry my teak walking stick now, and would at least knock a dog out, if no kill it.

 

You get bit by a dog, or especially a 'soi' cat, and don't get the shots, you're an idiot.  Dogs are not aggressive to the point of biting people, usually.

 

Just don't step on their tail as they suck up the AC in front of the 7-11 door.  If you do seem to attract their attention quite often, just carry a small baggie of dried dog food in your pocket.  Problem solved.

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported that this year has seen seven deaths from rabies across Chon Buri, Sisaket, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Tak, and Rayong. The increase has triggered concerns about public awareness and animal vaccination practices.

 

I am sure anyone that actually owns an animal and takes proper care of it. Has no fears because they already got the rabies vaccine into their pet. It is all the strays you need to worry about. Packs of them run wild daily and nightly in Chonburi which provides the danger. How to get them all vaccinated? It is impossible and a waste of time as well. As long as they run wild the way the city allows them to, a vaccine is short-lived for this. Those animals will just contract it and pass it along in a few months. What they need to do is get rid of the soi dogs. Capture them and try to find legitimate homes for them or if they are too wild then terminate them. 

16 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Why aren't people/children given the preventative vaccine before they are bitten/scratched?

Because that he doesn't last that long doesn't last very long . And then are you going to risk it that you're immuned or you going to go and get another vaccine again.

These guys need to get out and vaccinate the soi dogs. That's the only way they'll get rid of the issue.

Rabies death surge, that's what you get when you let the amount of stray dogs surge, think thai government must walk around with their eyes closed all day. They keep ignoring issues then they act all surprised when it becomes a serious problem. 

7 minutes ago, Nickcage49 said:

These guys need to get out and vaccinate the soi dogs. That's the only way they'll get rid of the issue.

 

Nah

I got a better idea.

at least one in every town and village.

Bad dogs in Good dogs out. :giggle:

 

ssssssssss.PNG

17 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Why aren't people/children given the preventative vaccine before they are bitten/scratched?

can get them from what I understand.  I since I jogged in the streets, got shots without ever being bitten.  My wife and daughter after scratches got the shots with no problems as preventative measure.

14 minutes ago, quake said:

 

Nah

I got a better idea.

at least one in every town and village.

Bad dogs in Good dogs out. :giggle:

 

ssssssssss.PNG

also need to ensure that folks with cats that roam around outside also need to ensure those pets too are vaccinated.

Just now, Presnock said:

can get them from what I understand.  I since I jogged in the streets, got shots without ever being bitten.  My wife and daughter after scratches got the shots with no problems as preventative measure.

Thanks.  I think I will look at getting them for my son.

Just now, brewsterbudgen said:

Thanks.  I think I will look at getting them for my son.

My shots were in BKK while family members in Chiang Mai.

18 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

I wonder what the Anti-vaxxers do when they are bitten ?....     one of them disbelieves Rabies Virus is even a virus and that it does not even exist...   

 

Why care.  It's a self-correcting problem.  However, keep up to date on those mRNA Covid shots - Safe & Effective!  :thumbsup:

18 hours ago, sungod said:

Define anti vaxxer?

 

One that does not take any vaccine, or one that does not take a particular vaccine ?

 

You seem to be if you aren't with us, you must be against us. 

Exactly.  You couldn't pay me to take a Covid shot.  But given that I work with a large number of dogs and cats, I keep up to date on my prophylaxis rabies shots  Yet?  

:angry: "You refuse to get the mRNA shots!!! You're one of those ANTI-VAXXERS!!! Arrghhhh!"
Yeah - Keep taking those Covid shots.  They're good for you.  Don't forget to mask-up and social distance  Covid is the Plague.  :glare:
 

18 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Why aren't people/children given the preventative vaccine before they are bitten/scratched?

Because the rabies shot series is similar to the series given after a bite or scratch.  Rabies vaccines are available but not in the quantities to provide the 4 to 5 shots as a prophylaxis for every person in Thailand.  If someone is bitten, there is time to get the shots before the virus incubates. Anyway, even if you have had the prophylaxis shots, if you are bit, you still need shots.  So basically it isn't recommended for everyone unless you work with stray animals.  I do, so I get the shots.

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