1 hour 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.

They actually did that, at least here at PKK, last time they had a surge in rabies.  All the soi dogs, had tags on them with plastic collars.  Kind of impressive, actually. 👍

12 minutes ago, connda said:

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?  

 "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. 
 

 

The Plague was caused by bacteria, not viruses.

Choosing to decline an mRNA vaccine or a seasonal influenza vaccine when you are healthy and not part of a high-risk group does not, in itself, make someone an ‘anti-vaxxer'... so that level of gaslighting is simply flawed.

 

Thai said.., outright refusal of all vaccines, as some do, does constitute an anti-vaccine stance. Thoughtfully selecting which vaccines to accept - such as those for rabies or monkeypox, as discussed earlier with Sungod -demonstrates the capacity for critical thinking: choosing to receive only those vaccines deemed necessary, does not make anyone an anti-vaxxer - thats basic common sense.

 

 

18 hours ago, BritManToo said:

7 a year from rabies Vs 30 a day from rtas.

Seems the money would be better spent reducing traffic deaths.

You are just thinking this poorly to explain a dumb anti-vax narrative. All lives should be saved in case you didn't realize.

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

Put all soi dogs (without any owner) down 🙏

I am a real dog lover, but after seeing so many soi dogs are really unhealthy and live horrible lives, adveritise for someone willing to care for one but after a weekly notice and no takers, yeah put them down.  At least in that one week they should eat well and be locked up.

10 minutes ago, WorriedNoodle said:

You are just thinking this poorly to explain a dumb anti-vax narrative. All lives should be saved in case you didn't realize.

AS for the traffic deaths - need to change all the laws on motorcycle use in the country.  No kids, no helmets, proper training prior to getting a license, not from "uncle", mandantory insurance and enforcement by the police at all times IMHO.

With the totally irresponsible way Thailand has let the street dog problem develop over the years, of course something like this was bound to happen sooner or later. Strickt rules conserning peoples right to keep dogs should be implemented, and the street dogs should be removed. 

5 minutes ago, harryviking said:

With the totally irresponsible way Thailand has let the street dog problem develop over the years, of course something like this was bound to happen sooner or later. Strickt rules conserning peoples right to keep dogs should be implemented, and the street dogs should be removed. 

 

Of course, but we still encounter people who argue, in essence, “This is nothing; road traffic deaths are far worse- deal with that”  (paraphrase)...   Such comparisons entirely miss the point you've rightly raised: the importance of nipping a threat in the bud.... It's a concept some commentators appear not to grasp.

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Of course, but we still encounter people who argue, in essence, “This is nothing; road traffic deaths are far worse- deal with that”  (paraphrase)...   Such comparisons entirely miss the point you've rightly raised: the importance of nipping a threat in the bud.... It's a concept some commentators appear not to grasp.

LOL! Strange they did not say; Oh...but war is worse! Deal with that!😆🙄😫

What does this government do for the people?

I frequently visit my wife's grandmother in a small moo baan in Surin province. There are at least 8-10 vicious dogs in the street at any given time. I walk with a weapon to protect my 3 year old grandson. I have a number of photos of these beasts. The attached was taken in the street just outside a neighbors house. If you go to the Amphoe hospital invariably there are people in the ER with dog bites. I guess public safety isn't a priority.

 

 

19 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

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

On Samui they catch all soi dogs and vax them, the release them with a collar that tells they are vaxxed. 

The travel nurse in the U.S. HMO we were members of recommended and administered vaccines against rabies when we discussed our time spent upcountry in Thailand along with all CDC recommended vaccines.

 

Last year our son/stepson got bitten by a unidentified dog on the ankle while on his motorcycle and needed a full course of injections.

 

Had it happened to us it would have been one and done.

19 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

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

It's an expensive vaccine with the potential for unpleasant side effects and has to be repeated every ten years. Death from rabies is truly dreadful so it is wiser to spend the money on measures to reduce the incidence in animals. 

6 minutes ago, PoorSucker said:

On Samui they catch all soi dogs and vax them, the release them with a collar that tells they are vaxxed. 

 

I wish they'd make it mandatory for collars to clearly state who is legally responsible for the dog.

If a dog is allowed to roam freely and ends up attacking or mauling a child, there should be no ambiguity about who is accountable. Owners need to be held responsible - full stop.

 

As for dogs without collars or identifiable owners, they should be removed. If no one is willing to claim responsibility for feeding, housing, training, and socialising them, then society shouldn't be expected to carry the burden either.

 

Stray dogs aren’t just a nuisance - they’re a symptom of neglect and a potential danger.

 

A major part of the stray dog problem is their territorial nature, often fighting over scraps, feeding on rotten waste, and spreading diseases like mange roundworm, hookworm, tapeworms and rabies. It's a miserable existence for a lot of the animals themselves - and it only gets worse as they breed uncontrollably, creating future generations doomed to the same suffering.

 

This isn’t just about public safety, it’s about compassion. Turning a blind eye while packs of strays suffer in the streets isn’t humane - it’s cruelty disguised as kindness.

 

The solution might be tough, but it’s not heartless. Proper action now can end an ongoing cycle of neglect and pain.... Catch and spay if there are funds...  Or, take harsher measures if we have to... not a popular opinion, but truthfully, a necessary one.

2 hours ago, harryviking said:

With the totally irresponsible way Thailand has let the street dog problem develop over the years, of course something like this was bound to happen sooner or later. Strickt rules conserning peoples right to keep dogs should be implemented, and the street dogs should be removed. 

Well, he govt finally is doing a tad more  in Bangkok if one has a pet, by next year, they must register that pet and have it "chipped" in order for the govt to start some kind of control.  I rented ahouse in Prawet district prior to coming back to my house in CM this past week and late last year they had a rabies warning for that district and anywhere close to that district as an animal had been diagnosed with rabies, they didn't specify whether it was a soi dog or a pet or a cat or whatever.

1 hour ago, PoorSucker said:

On Samui they catch all soi dogs and vax them, the release them with a collar that tells they are vaxxed. 

They catch ALL soi dogs?

2 hours ago, Presnock said:

I am a real dog lover, but after seeing so many soi dogs are really unhealthy and live horrible lives, adveritise for someone willing to care for one but after a weekly notice and no takers, yeah put them down.  At least in that one week they should eat well and be locked up.

All the soi and free roaming dogs I see, are living pretty good.  Most very well fed and actually well behaved.  Sure more than a few bark at me and the dog, but would expect no less.

 

When in the metros, I actually see more homeless, destitute humans in worse shape.

 

 

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-08

 

 

Thailand has really no excuse, just that don't care attitude!

I was bitten by a dog on boxing day in 2016. I didn't go to the hospital for a Tetanus shot or a Rabies shot. I was pretty p!ssed. I was 1am and I knew the dog to be regularly aggressive. In hindsight it might have been better to to the hospital for whatever shots were deemed necessary; but I didn't. 

19 minutes ago, DezLez said:

They catch ALL soi dogs?

https://www.samuidog.org/info/vaccination-program

5 minutes ago, PoorSucker said:

https://www.samuidog.org/info/vaccination-program

From your link;

At the shelters in Baan Taling Ngam and Chaweng all dogs receive vaccinations against rabies, hepatitis, parvovirus, distemper, parainfluenza and leptospirosis once a year

"We also try to vaccinate and deworm as much dogs as we can at the big beaches once a year."

So not ALL dogs!

21 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.

If you're willing to risk death and a horrible death at that, you carry on mate!

11 minutes ago, SunsetT said:

If you're willing to risk death and a horrible death at that, you carry on mate!

I risk death every time I travel on a Thai road.

2 hours ago, mudcat said:

Had it happened to us it would have been one and done.

Not quite. If you've been vaccinated against rabies it reduces the number of shots you need (you don't need the immunoglobulin). You would still need at least two post-exposure shots (possibly more depending on when you had your previous vaccination and what type it was).

 

 

 

17 hours ago, Enzian said:

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.

Are the shots still given in the stomach???

On 2/10/2025 at 6:23 AM, Ben Zioner said:

Just imagine thesize of the litter..

 

On 5/18/2025 at 6:42 AM, MalcolmB said:

Here is the video.

 

 

 

Did deaths from rabies triple from one to three.....? Lies, damned lies and statistics......why is there no data presented (rhetorical) 

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

I risk death every time I travel on a Thai road.

 

Even after the flaw in your earlier comment has been clearly explained, you persist in drawing fundamentally flawed comparisons.

 

Surely, you can see the glaring disconnect in trying to conflate two entirely separate aspects of risk. The gap between them isn't subtle and the presence of one risk does not negate the other.

 

i.e. Put simply: the fact that more people die on the roads doesn't mean a death from rabies isn't a legitimate concern. The existence of a greater risk elsewhere doesn't invalidate the seriousness of a separate one - such and idea would be stupid, and you're not stupid, are you BritManToo ?....   

 

23 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The existence of one risk doesn't negate the importance of addressing another.

 

Declaration: I have been bitten by a dog on my leg near the Big Buddha facility and required expensive Rabies vaccine plus wound dressings.

It does not stop there. I live in Pratamnak Hill zone  where every Soi, bus parking area, vacant lot has a pack of dogs that bark and howl all hours of the day and night.

These packs run at tourists and residents alike, including women with babies in pushers, forcing people to panic and run onto the road.

I have had dogs run at me barking, growling, and getting the pack to join in.

This is happening all around the new Fishing Village complex, and the management of my accommodation state that the City refuses to do anything to stop and or remove the animals. People from other areas come on scooters with food and water for the dogs and the fishing village lets the animals hang around in their large carpark.

I am not talking about one or two pests, but close to 30 animals on 3 streets where they guard their territories.

I see people with bandaged calf muscles, the dog bite favourite target snack.

I hope those feeding the dogs come here and take the pest dangerous animals to their own homes instead of aggravating the existing problem here for the rest of us.

Instead, they smirk and continue to encourage the problem in someone else's neighbourhood.

I implore the local government department to shift the animals or cull them, as a warning. And to fine people feeding the animals, because the dogs breed, increase the problem for everyone via attacks, disease spread, and noise pollution.

And the usual dog lover responses to comments like mine will be ignored as part of the problem, unless the dog lovers come here and  rehouse these animals somewhere else.

Note: I recently travelled North and saw many dogs dead on roads hit by cars. The dogs in my neighbourhood run onto the streets and that has cars, trucks, and buses using their horns at all hours of the day and night to shift dogs off the road. So, lovers, come here and rescue your favoured animal before it gets hit, bites someone, or forces someone to run in front of a car.

Authorities and  businesses in the area, do something to address the problem.

 

 

Mass killing of possibly rabid dogs is MERCY not cruelty. Pu them out of their misery.

There are more stray dogs in may villages than people.  Need to take measures to control the stray dog issues.  Then enforce vaccines for all dogs by forcing people to register their dogs.  No registration without proof of vaccination to the dogs.