Photo for illustration only courtesy of WDBJ7

 

A rabid cat discovered in a Bangkok suburb has led to the declaration of several areas as animal epidemic zones. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) initiated these measures following a confirmed rabies case in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani. The immediate impact involves strict movement restrictions on animals within the affected zones to curb the spread of the virus.

 

This action comes after the cat tested positive in the Lat Sawai subdistrict, alerting veterinary authorities. The measures are pursuant to Section 20 of the Animal Epidemics Act, 2015, with the epidemic zone effective from September 25 to October 25. The designated areas stretch across Pathum Thani and Bangkok, affecting regions like Bueng Yitho, Or Ngoen subdistrict, Bueng Kham Phroi, and Khu Khot subdistrict.

 

Pawinee Rungtonkij, head of the BMA’s Health Department, emphasizes the serious threat rabies poses, a disease fatal if untreated and impacting diverse species including humans. The declaration enforces regulations on pet movements, requiring written district veterinarian permission to move animals. Moreover, the discovery of sick or dead animals must be reported, with strict bans on moving or dissecting carcasses.

 

Failure to comply can result in penalties such as up to two years in prison or a 40,000 baht fine. Citizens are urged to vaccinate pets and report unusual animal behavior to support containment efforts. Looking forward, the focus will remain on monitoring and enforcing these regulations to prevent further outbreaks.

 

Key Takeaways

• Several Bangkok areas declared epidemic zones after rabies case.
• Strict animal movement regulations enforced to contain the virus.
• Non-compliance can lead to significant fines and imprisonment.

 

Related stories:

Rabies Alert: Nong Chok District Under Strict Controls

Rabies Alert in Bangkok: Officials Urge Vigilance

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-26

 

 

Not surprising as nothing is being done by the authorities against all the Soi Dogs or other stray animals all over popular towns. Very bad for tourism. 

Its not only cats and dogs but also rodents like rats and squerrels and your pet catch wild animals with rabies they get it to. My dog is vaccinated against all the sick as a dog can have, but many thais have not money to do so. Goverment should give free vaccine to pets in area with rabies. 

Live in the area dogs are not an issue but cats are very much a problem. Because they are cute people put food out and birth control is non existent 

1 hour ago, terje johnsen said:

Its not only cats and dogs but also rodents like rats and squerrels and your pet catch wild animals with rabies they get it to. My dog is vaccinated against all the sick as a dog can have, but many thais have not money to do so. Goverment should give free vaccine to pets in area with rabies. 

 

If they have the money to feed them they have enough to inject them

23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The immediate impact involves strict movement restrictions on animals within the affected zones to curb the spread of the virus.

While the strays roam free...

I am amazed that Thailand does not have a bigger rabies problem because of the huge population of uncontrolled feral soi dogs.

No doubt it will take the death of a few people before any serious attempts are made to reduce these potential vectors.

On 9/26/2025 at 4:31 PM, snoop1130 said:

Pawinee Rungtonkij, head of the BMA’s Health Department, emphasizes the serious threat rabies poses, a disease fatal if untreated and impacting diverse species including humans.

 

Once a mammal, humans included, show clinical signs of rabies - death is inevitable.

The only 'treatment' is multiple vaccinations administered shortly after a potential bite/infection. 

Coincidentally,  tomorrow is "World Rabies day" 

Not a bad idea for people to get vaxxed as well, it's affordable and you get a few intramuscular injections not unlike Covid. I got mine after a non rabid cat attack a few years ago. But clearly Thailand is lagging in its efforts, it is not mounting any kind of successful public awareness or population/neutering control. A great place but so backward in so may ways. But this story shows a start, better than nothing

On 9/26/2025 at 4:41 PM, Middle Aged Grouch said:

Not surprising as nothing is being done by the authorities against all the Soi Dogs or other stray animals all over popular towns. Very bad for tourism. 

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Meanwhile Pit bulls can kill children freely and not be destroyed or banned 

18 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

Not a bad idea for people to get vaxxed as well, it's affordable and you get a few intramuscular injections not unlike Covid. I got mine after a non rabid cat attack a few years ago. But clearly Thailand is lagging in its efforts, it is not mounting any kind of successful public awareness or population/neutering control. A great place but so backward in so may ways. But this story shows a start, better than nothing

I feel its a waste because you still need the same shots after a bite as non vaccinated. 

20 hours ago, kiwikeith said:

Meanwhile Pit bulls can kill children freely and not be destroyed or banned 

 

Indeed, they're ugly and not cute like cats, I say destroy them.