Not sure where this topic really belongs but I'm sure that the mods will put it somewhere appropriate, as necessary.

I've been doing quite a bit of cycling around Chonburi province and it's been surprisingly pleasant - the country roads are quiet and the only real hazards are the pot-holes and the fkcn' soi dogs. The best way to deal with the dogs is to avoid them but there are times when you can get caught out. Some of these b*stards just don't want to give up until they've had a taste of farang leg!

Now, an Australian friend tells me that they have a similar problem in the land of Oz and that he has found that a loud blast on an air horn puts the sh*ts up them, or so he says. He says that the horn that he has uses compressed air in a water bottle sized tank - fits in a standard cycle bottle carrier - and this can just be pumped up with a bike pump. Apparently gives about thirty 115dB blasts per charge and is very effective.

Problem is that I can't find anywhere to buy one in Thailand. Amazon has them but will not export to LoS - maybe they're illegal here? Has anyone come across anything like this for sale in Thailand? I live in the Pattaya area but would be quite happy to take a trip to BKK - cheaper than getting the rabies shots once bitten!

DM

A spray bottle with water and a healthy dose of cayenne pepper would do the trick as well.

A spray bottle with water and a healthy dose of cayenne pepper would do the trick as well.

I think the horns a better idea; I use pepper spray which is fine if there's just one or two of them, but not if there's a pack. You also have to be careful that the wind doesn't blow it back in your face.

There's also these and similar devices: http://www.personalalarms.com.au/dogrepel.htm

carry some rocks

slow down as they approach

I noticed that the Soi dogs are more clever than one might think, if you can't the horn I found that the sound of a solid metal retractible bone crusher being whiped out really gets their attention. No kidding I tried it a half dozen times and every time they hear that high pitiched metalic "kang,klang,klang!!" they turn tail with a swiftness. And the up side is if they don't you can defend yourself better than if you just had a horn.

Buy a dog whistle and blow as hard as you can in its ear he will give you a wide bearth next time.

For an air horn try one of the shops that cater to the boating fraternity.

SEAT on the road between Pattaya and Jomtien may be worth a try.

Naka.