Animal Cruelty in Thailand

[UKJASE]

Thailand gets a lot of mentions in this article about worldwide animal cruelty, following the recent death at Angkor Wat of an elephant used for giving tourists rides. Quite a harrowing read.

http://d22boq46bc7ja4.cloudfront.net/cdn/farfuture/TVzp4PCPLi5MLb0yDfF5Jk41PjLXA_CSKMJSDtjD5nQ/mtime:1454340393/sites/default/files/int_files/pdfs/checking_out_of_cruelty.pdf

[benalibina]

Thailand.....the hub of cruelty !

[stoneyboy]

It's the women I feel sorry for.

Edited April 26, 2016 by stoneyboy

[kannot]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

[jeab1980]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

in your opinion of course. Love the quote to lazy you obviously not know about thai work culture. But please carry on living in your bubble. As for dogs think you will find most dogs who wander belong to no one soi dogs or village dogs that are just fed by locals. Lazy 5555555555

[kannot]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

in your opinion of course. Love the quote to lazy you obviously not know about thai work culture. But please carry on living in your bubble. As for dogs think you will find most dogs who wander belong to no one soi dogs or village dogs that are just fed by locals. Lazy 5555555555

My bubble doesnt include free rosy spectacles

The author of the Thai easy way was WASANT TECHAWONGTHAM you can look up the BKK post article.

Village dogs with "collars" wander the streets daily throughout the villagers round here usually 5pm onwards and early morning.

Thai workculture? sound like youve bought it hook line and sinker

[jeab1980]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

in your opinion of course. Love the quote to lazy you obviously not know about thai work culture. But please carry on living in your bubble. As for dogs think you will find most dogs who wander belong to no one soi dogs or village dogs that are just fed by locals. Lazy 5555555555

My bubble doesnt include free rosy spectacles

The author of the Thai easy way was WASANT TECHAWONGTHAM you can look up the BKK post article.

Village dogs with "collars" wander the streets daily throughout the villagers round here usually 5pm onwards and early morning.

Thai workculture? sound like youve bought it hook line and sinker

Don't have to buy culture it's my culture. I work hard 6 days a week so my family does as well. We have three dog all well looked after all walked everyday on lead after we finish from work. You know nothing of my culture exept what you read and see on here thank you.

[kannot]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

in your opinion of course. Love the quote to lazy you obviously not know about thai work culture. But please carry on living in your bubble. As for dogs think you will find most dogs who wander belong to no one soi dogs or village dogs that are just fed by locals. Lazy 5555555555

My bubble doesnt include free rosy spectacles

The author of the Thai easy way was WASANT TECHAWONGTHAM you can look up the BKK post article.

Village dogs with "collars" wander the streets daily throughout the villagers round here usually 5pm onwards and early morning.

Thai workculture? sound like youve bought it hook line and sinker

Don't have to buy culture it's my culture. I work hard 6 days a week so my family does as well. We have three dog all well looked after all walked everyday on lead after we finish from work. You know nothing of my culture exept what you read and see on here thank you.

Your culture kills 13000+ a year on the road......do you think thats acceptable as thats mostly lazy driving? As for walking your dogs you are the exception not the rule

[cumgranosalum]

Using the expression "culture" is not nowadays an acceptable defence. No culture is static and all are very difficult to define - yet people try to use it as some kind of get out clause.

Some "truths" are inescapable regardless of culture - the world is not flat, cannibalism is out and so is cruelty to animals and destruction of the environment.

Furthermore conservation environmental and wildlife issues do not stop at national borders - what does sometimes stop is the knowledge and will to deal with it....

Thailand is already getting a reputation as an international pariah due to political, human rights, poor policing, destruction of natural resources and animal cruelty......trying to hide behind "culture"is not an excuse; it just makes the nation look worse.

[chowny77]

UKJASE - Thanks for the PDF file. I am teaching tourism at a vocational college and will show this to my students to see what their reaction is like, especially when it refers to Thailand.

[questionsreplies]

If you are not a vegetarian how can you dare to open your mouth, you also are a vriminal...

[jeab1980]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

in your opinion of course. Love the quote to lazy you obviously not know about thai work culture. But please carry on living in your bubble. As for dogs think you will find most dogs who wander belong to no one soi dogs or village dogs that are just fed by locals. Lazy 5555555555

My bubble doesnt include free rosy spectacles

The author of the Thai easy way was WASANT TECHAWONGTHAM you can look up the BKK post article.

Village dogs with "collars" wander the streets daily throughout the villagers round here usually 5pm onwards and early morning.

Thai workculture? sound like youve bought it hook line and sinker

Don't have to buy culture it's my culture. I work hard 6 days a week so my family does as well. We have three dog all well looked after all walked everyday on lead after we finish from work. You know nothing of my culture exept what you read and see on here thank you.

Your culture kills 13000+ a year on the road......do you think thats acceptable as thats mostly lazy driving? As for walking your dogs you are the exception not the rule

Why you change dicussion from animal cruelty to animals dying on road!!!!!!. You say lazy driving up to you if you want to carry on thinking that your welcome Luckly I know better. You should come to my village you will see it is the rule here not the exeption. But sure you sit looking at TV for your facts. Small small view but seem to think everything written is rule must be true Farang say so 555555. Time maybe to get out of house and use your eyes

[cumgranosalum]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

in your opinion of course. Love the quote to lazy you obviously not know about thai work culture. But please carry on living in your bubble. As for dogs think you will find most dogs who wander belong to no one soi dogs or village dogs that are just fed by locals. Lazy 5555555555

My bubble doesnt include free rosy spectacles

The author of the Thai easy way was WASANT TECHAWONGTHAM you can look up the BKK post article.

Village dogs with "collars" wander the streets daily throughout the villagers round here usually 5pm onwards and early morning.

Thai workculture? sound like youve bought it hook line and sinker

Don't have to buy culture it's my culture. I work hard 6 days a week so my family does as well. We have three dog all well looked after all walked everyday on lead after we finish from work. You know nothing of my culture exept what you read and see on here thank you.

Your culture kills 13000+ a year on the road......do you think thats acceptable as thats mostly lazy driving? As for walking your dogs you are the exception not the rule

Why you change dicussion from animal cruelty to animals dying on road!!!!!!. You say lazy driving up to you if you want to carry on thinking that your welcome Luckly I know better. You should come to my village you will see it is the rule here not the exeption. But sure you sit looking at TV for your facts. Small small view but seem to think everything written is rule must be true Farang say so 555555. Time maybe to get out of house and use your eyes

I think that some people need to be less parochial and get out of their own country from time to time and look around. They will see that Thailand has one of the worst dog problems in the world and has the worst anti-cruelty/animal protection laws of just about any country I can think of. The laws are worse than other countries had 100 years ago......do you want to put that down to Thai culture?

[jeab1980]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

in your opinion of course. Love the quote to lazy you obviously not know about thai work culture. But please carry on living in your bubble. As for dogs think you will find most dogs who wander belong to no one soi dogs or village dogs that are just fed by locals. Lazy 5555555555

My bubble doesnt include free rosy spectacles

The author of the Thai easy way was WASANT TECHAWONGTHAM you can look up the BKK post article.

Village dogs with "collars" wander the streets daily throughout the villagers round here usually 5pm onwards and early morning.

Thai workculture? sound like youve bought it hook line and sinker

Don't have to buy culture it's my culture. I work hard 6 days a week so my family does as well. We have three dog all well looked after all walked everyday on lead after we finish from work. You know nothing of my culture exept what you read and see on here thank you.

Your culture kills 13000+ a year on the road......do you think thats acceptable as thats mostly lazy driving? As for walking your dogs you are the exception not the rule

Why you change dicussion from animal cruelty to animals dying on road!!!!!!. You say lazy driving up to you if you want to carry on thinking that your welcome Luckly I know better. You should come to my village you will see it is the rule here not the exeption. But sure you sit looking at TV for your facts. Small small view but seem to think everything written is rule must be true Farang say so 555555. Time maybe to get out of house and use your eyes

I think that some people need to be less parochial and get out of their own country from time to time and look around. They will see that Thailand has one of the worst dog problems in the world and has the worst anti-cruelty/animal protection laws of just about any country I can think of. The laws are worse than other countries had 100 years ago......do you want to put that down to Thai culture?

You make me 5555 get out of Thailand from time to time yes please millions want to go on holiday but on 300 bht a day manual worker cannot. You pay for us to go thank you.

Please do you read and think about what you write or type as and see what comes out.??????

As for animals dying one of the worst cruelty rates in the world I really do not care I look after my and some village dogs and cats. I can not protect every animal in my country. Let's face it farangs don't do to much better do they pay to go kill a big cat or Elephant for sport. But I suppose that's ok cos they have money and can do anything in anyone's country for money yes!!!!! Maybe you come here for that!!!!!

[cumgranosalum]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

in your opinion of course. Love the quote to lazy you obviously not know about thai work culture. But please carry on living in your bubble. As for dogs think you will find most dogs who wander belong to no one soi dogs or village dogs that are just fed by locals. Lazy 5555555555

My bubble doesnt include free rosy spectacles

The author of the Thai easy way was WASANT TECHAWONGTHAM you can look up the BKK post article.

Village dogs with "collars" wander the streets daily throughout the villagers round here usually 5pm onwards and early morning.

Thai workculture? sound like youve bought it hook line and sinker

Don't have to buy culture it's my culture. I work hard 6 days a week so my family does as well. We have three dog all well looked after all walked everyday on lead after we finish from work. You know nothing of my culture exept what you read and see on here thank you.

Your culture kills 13000+ a year on the road......do you think thats acceptable as thats mostly lazy driving? As for walking your dogs you are the exception not the rule

Why you change dicussion from animal cruelty to animals dying on road!!!!!!. You say lazy driving up to you if you want to carry on thinking that your welcome Luckly I know better. You should come to my village you will see it is the rule here not the exeption. But sure you sit looking at TV for your facts. Small small view but seem to think everything written is rule must be true Farang say so 555555. Time maybe to get out of house and use your eyes

I think that some people need to be less parochial and get out of their own country from time to time and look around. They will see that Thailand has one of the worst dog problems in the world and has the worst anti-cruelty/animal protection laws of just about any country I can think of. The laws are worse than other countries had 100 years ago......do you want to put that down to Thai culture?

You make me 5555 get out of Thailand from time to time yes please millions want to go on holiday but on 300 bht a day manual worker cannot. You pay for us to go thank you.

Please do you read and think about what you write or type as and see what comes out.??????

As for animals dying one of the worst cruelty rates in the world I really do not care I look after my and some village dogs and cats. I can not protect every animal in my country. Let's face it farangs don't do to much better do they pay to go kill a big cat or Elephant for sport. But I suppose that's ok cos they have money and can do anything in anyone's country for money yes!!!!! Maybe you come here for that!!!!!

"As for animals dying one of the worst cruelty rates in the world I really do not care I look after my and some village dogs and cats. I can not protect every animal in my country. Let's face it farangs don't do to much better do they pay to go kill a big cat or Elephant for sport. But I suppose that's ok cos they have money and can do anything in anyone's country for money yes!!!!! Maybe you come here for that!!!!! I look after my and some village dogs and cats. I can not protect every animal in my country. Let's face it farangs don't do to much better do they pay to go kill a big cat or Elephant for sport. But I suppose that's ok cos they have money and can do anything in anyone's country for money yes!!!!! Maybe you come here for that!!!!!" -

What an appalling answer; factually inaccurate and full on baseless assumptions.

first - "As for animals dying one of the worst cruelty rates in the world I really do not care" - REALLY?? - Well, is this kind of "I'm alright jack" attitude why there is so much animal cruelty in Thailand?

- "I can not protect every animal in my country." - again Why not? this attitude would explain why Thailand has virtually NO animal protection laws at all.

- "Let's face it farangs don't do to much better do they pay to go kill a big cat or Elephant for sport" - To suggest that this disgusting "activity" is only carried out by "farang" just goes to show how utterly ignorant this poster is of the situation facing wildlife around the world....the biggest single threat to flora and fauna everywhere is TCM - main consumers are China and Southeast Asia....who are heavily involved in the extinction of several keystone species - Tiger, Elephant Rhino etc etc.

as for "money" - it is the bourgeoning middle classes of China and neighbouring countries that still believe in TCM crap that is leadsing to the huge criminal trade in endangered species.

I might point out that Thailand's involvement in this trade has on several occasions put them in CITES bad book with thee threat of major sanctions being imposed that could cost the country trillions of baht.

remeber Thailand is BNOT a poor country - it just has poor people thanks to bad distribution of wealth.

[CharlieH]

Post removed and response to same.

7) You will respect fellow members and post in a civil manner. No personal attacks, hateful or insulting towards other members, (flaming) Stalking of members on either the forum or via PM will not be allowed.

[ThaiKneeTim]

My observations based on Isaan village life!

Village dogs: Many dogs are free to roam say and night throughout our village, these are easy to distinguish from strata, which usually look pretty mangy, but not always!

Generally dogs are kept as waste food disposal units/guard dogs, although some in the village are kept as pets.

The western idea of a pet dog is almost one of the family, whereas here they generally aren't, although those lapdog you see in Bangkok undoubtedly are!

Animal cruelty: Thailand, as a whole, isn't anywhere near the top of the list for animal cruelty, I've seen a lot worse in Africa.

Here in our village the strays seem to gather mainly in one of the three temples, where they are fed by the monks, and one of our dogs was the offspring of a stray from that temple.

Care of dogs: In our village dogs are generally well cared for, in that they are well fed and homes, some responsible owners even control reproduction with hormone shots.

Strays: There are the occasional strays, but here in our village they are few.

In the big city it's not uncommon to see, what appear to be, strays. The strays I've seen in town generally aren't too unhealthy, so it's safe to assume they are being fed by someone.

Unlike my experience in Africa, if a stray dog isn't viscous the locals just leave them alone. Although I haven't seen any vicious dogs I'm assuming that should there be any they are dealt with, probably by the police with a lead injection!

Opinion: While there are a lot more strays, than you would expect to see in my home country, the Thai attitude to them is generally more favourable than a lot of places.

[Broken Record]

Yes these Thai's are terrible, unlike the rest of the world that really cares.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpPRi7st8pY

Caution, not for those easily upset.

Edited May 1, 2016 by Broken Record

[Broken Record]

Thailand.....the hub of cruelty !

You choose to live in The Hub of Cruelty ?

[Broken Record]

My observations based on Isaan village life!

Village dogs: Many dogs are free to roam say and night throughout our village, these are easy to distinguish from strata, which usually look pretty mangy, but not always!

Generally dogs are kept as waste food disposal units/guard dogs, although some in the village are kept as pets.

The western idea of a pet dog is almost one of the family, whereas here they generally aren't, although those lapdog you see in Bangkok undoubtedly are!

Animal cruelty: Thailand, as a whole, isn't anywhere near the top of the list for animal cruelty, I've seen a lot worse in Africa.

Here in our village the strays seem to gather mainly in one of the three temples, where they are fed by the monks, and one of our dogs was the offspring of a stray from that temple.

Care of dogs: In our village dogs are generally well cared for, in that they are well fed and homes, some responsible owners even control reproduction with hormone shots.

Strays: There are the occasional strays, but here in our village they are few.

In the big city it's not uncommon to see, what appear to be, strays. The strays I've seen in town generally aren't too unhealthy, so it's safe to assume they are being fed by someone.

Unlike my experience in Africa, if a stray dog isn't viscous the locals just leave them alone. Although I haven't seen any vicious dogs I'm assuming that should there be any they are dealt with, probably by the police with a lead injection!

Opinion: While there are a lot more strays, than you would expect to see in my home country, the Thai attitude to them is generally more favourable than a lot of places.

True Tim, but this is ThaiVisa, and all the worlds problems are Thailand's fault.

Old English guy in my condo does nothing but moan about Thailand, literally everything about Thailand he moans about, I asked him why he doesn't go back to the UK.

He looked at me and said " You must be <deleted> joking mate, I ain't going back to that <deleted> dump "

People are strange at times.

[cumgranosalum]

Thailand has one of the worst animal cruelty records in the world - there are virtually no animal protection laws and even less enforcement thereof; encroachment of habitat is often condoned by the authorities they are even using article 44 and animal abuse is simply ignored in favour of money.

Elephants tigers and other keystone species are endangered, abused and there parts traded.

Dogs are not controlled - 100, 000 in Bangkok, they spread disease and cause damage to people and property.

The public perception is that suffering is part of karma and preferable to being put down. No real effort is being made to solve the dog problem - owners are uneducated and have no idea of what animal welfare consists of....the “bag-dogs” are overfed on inappropriate food until they die of obesity related diseases....they are unregulated and interbred for a market that cares little about the animal but more about what it looks like in the owners bag.

Thailand is a hub of the illegal trade in endangered species and has been warned on several occasions by CITES to clean up their act, especially in relation to the ivory trade which is LEGAL in Thailand.

In the next few years it is highly likely that Thailand will have the ignominious distinction of being the next country to preside over the extinction of the Tiger within its borders.

It is also noted more and more by the international community in general.......

"“Most gibbons and lorises are taken from the wild, where poachers usually have to kill the mother of the young animals to take them away. Some elephants are also taken from the wild, we estimate 40-50 per cent, while others are bred in captivity," he said. "The direct exploitation of wildlife, such as using them as photo props in public places, is horrible.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatlife/11048530/The-dark-side-of-animal-tourism-in-Thailand.html

Edited May 1, 2016 by cumgranosalum

[cumgranosalum]

My observations based on Isaan village life!

Village dogs: Many dogs are free to roam say and night throughout our village, these are easy to distinguish from strata, which usually look pretty mangy, but not always!

Generally dogs are kept as waste food disposal units/guard dogs, although some in the village are kept as pets.

The western idea of a pet dog is almost one of the family, whereas here they generally aren't, although those lapdog you see in Bangkok undoubtedly are!

Animal cruelty: Thailand, as a whole, isn't anywhere near the top of the list for animal cruelty, I've seen a lot worse in Africa.

Here in our village the strays seem to gather mainly in one of the three temples, where they are fed by the monks, and one of our dogs was the offspring of a stray from that temple.

Care of dogs: In our village dogs are generally well cared for, in that they are well fed and homes, some responsible owners even control reproduction with hormone shots.

Strays: There are the occasional strays, but here in our village they are few.

In the big city it's not uncommon to see, what appear to be, strays. The strays I've seen in town generally aren't too unhealthy, so it's safe to assume they are being fed by someone.

Unlike my experience in Africa, if a stray dog isn't viscous the locals just leave them alone. Although I haven't seen any vicious dogs I'm assuming that should there be any they are dealt with, probably by the police with a lead injection!

Opinion: While there are a lot more strays, than you would expect to see in my home country, the Thai attitude to them is generally more favourable than a lot of places.

True Tim, but this is ThaiVisa, and all the worlds problems are Thailand's fault.

Old English guy in my condo does nothing but moan about Thailand, literally everything about Thailand he moans about, I asked him why he doesn't go back to the UK.

He looked at me and said " You must be <deleted> joking mate, I ain't going back to that <deleted> dump "

People are strange at times.

the problem there is you presented a false syllogism, and the other guy din't recognise it.

[cumgranosalum]

My observations based on Isaan village life!

Village dogs: Many dogs are free to roam say and night throughout our village, these are easy to distinguish from strata, which usually look pretty mangy, but not always!

Generally dogs are kept as waste food disposal units/guard dogs, although some in the village are kept as pets.

The western idea of a pet dog is almost one of the family, whereas here they generally aren't, although those lapdog you see in Bangkok undoubtedly are!

Animal cruelty: Thailand, as a whole, isn't anywhere near the top of the list for animal cruelty, I've seen a lot worse in Africa.

Here in our village the strays seem to gather mainly in one of the three temples, where they are fed by the monks, and one of our dogs was the offspring of a stray from that temple.

Care of dogs: In our village dogs are generally well cared for, in that they are well fed and homes, some responsible owners even control reproduction with hormone shots.

Strays: There are the occasional strays, but here in our village they are few.

In the big city it's not uncommon to see, what appear to be, strays. The strays I've seen in town generally aren't too unhealthy, so it's safe to assume they are being fed by someone.

Unlike my experience in Africa, if a stray dog isn't viscous the locals just leave them alone. Although I haven't seen any vicious dogs I'm assuming that should there be any they are dealt with, probably by the police with a lead injection!

Opinion: While there are a lot more strays, than you would expect to see in my home country, the Thai attitude to them is generally more favourable than a lot of places.

Firstly personal observation isn't ever conclusive and the sins observed in one country don't ever mitigate the sins of another.

- Many organisations that work around the world will tell you that Thailand is one of the worst culprits - there is good reason for this. Thailand has a massive tourist industry - one of the largest in the world and a large amount of the animal abuse/exploitation is directed towards this market.......it is much larger than in other countries so the abuse is far more widespread and the amount of creatures greater.

The effect this is having on S.E. Asia's wildlife is bad enough, but it even extends to supporting exploitation around the world - vis-a-vis the trading in ivory from African elephants - a lot of the cruelty and capture or killing of animals in Africa is actually to supply the trade in Asia - e.g. Thailand. many of the reptiles and other animals you see being touted on the streets are not native species - they come from overseas...

Edited May 1, 2016 by cumgranosalum

[ThaiKneeTim]

The attitude of some Thais towards working animals isn't much different to how they abuse their vehicles, overload it, under maintain it, and work it until it breaks!

I'm obviously not saying that all Thais are like that, just like I wouldn't say all British people are good to animals (A quick look at the RSPCA website will demonstrate that some British are worse!) so I don't leap to the defence of Thais, I do however leap to defend against the assumption that bad news items aren't a true reflection of Thais generally.

Tar and brushes spring to mind!

[ThaiKneeTim]

My observations based on Isaan village life!

Village dogs: Many dogs are free to roam say and night throughout our village, these are easy to distinguish from strata, which usually look pretty mangy, but not always!

Generally dogs are kept as waste food disposal units/guard dogs, although some in the village are kept as pets.

The western idea of a pet dog is almost one of the family, whereas here they generally aren't, although those lapdog you see in Bangkok undoubtedly are!

Animal cruelty: Thailand, as a whole, isn't anywhere near the top of the list for animal cruelty, I've seen a lot worse in Africa.

Here in our village the strays seem to gather mainly in one of the three temples, where they are fed by the monks, and one of our dogs was the offspring of a stray from that temple.

Care of dogs: In our village dogs are generally well cared for, in that they are well fed and homes, some responsible owners even control reproduction with hormone shots.

Strays: There are the occasional strays, but here in our village they are few.

In the big city it's not uncommon to see, what appear to be, strays. The strays I've seen in town generally aren't too unhealthy, so it's safe to assume they are being fed by someone.

Unlike my experience in Africa, if a stray dog isn't viscous the locals just leave them alone. Although I haven't seen any vicious dogs I'm assuming that should there be any they are dealt with, probably by the police with a lead injection!

Opinion: While there are a lot more strays, than you would expect to see in my home country, the Thai attitude to them is generally more favourable than a lot of places.

Firstly personal observation isn't ever conclusive and the sins observed in one country don't ever mitigate the sins of another.

- Many organisations that work around the world will tell you that Thailand is one of the worst culprits - there is good reason for this. Thailand has a massive tourist industry - one of the largest in the world and a large amount of the animal abuse/exploitation is directed towards this market.......it is much larger than in other countries so the abuse is far more widespread and the amount of creatures greater.

The effect this is having on S.E. Asia's wildlife is bad enough, but it even extends to supporting exploitation around the world - vis-a-vis the trading in ivory from African elephants - a lot of the cruelty and capture or killing of animals in Africa is actually to supply the trade in Asia - e.g. Thailand. many of the reptiles and other animals you see being touted on the streets are not native species - they come from overseas...

Judging a country by western standards isn't a good idea either. A nation struggling to survive can't afford to impose too many restrictive measures.

Both the UK and US have lost jobs to SE Asian countries because we have rules and regulations to protect environment, workforce, etc. Countries like Thailand would suffer considerably if they imposed western regulations and watch as neighbouring countries take all the jobs.

I'm sure you, like me, try to avoid places that exploit animals, but unfortunately there are too many farang tourists quite willing to pay to ride on an elephant. Rather than whinge about a Thai trying to make a living in whatever way he can it would better to educate the tourists in their home countries, and there have been numerous campaigns operating on this basis. Just follow Rickey Gervais on Twitter and you'll see some of these campaigns.

[cumgranosalum]

My observations based on Isaan village life!

Village dogs: Many dogs are free to roam say and night throughout our village, these are easy to distinguish from strata, which usually look pretty mangy, but not always!

Generally dogs are kept as waste food disposal units/guard dogs, although some in the village are kept as pets.

The western idea of a pet dog is almost one of the family, whereas here they generally aren't, although those lapdog you see in Bangkok undoubtedly are!

Animal cruelty: Thailand, as a whole, isn't anywhere near the top of the list for animal cruelty, I've seen a lot worse in Africa.

Here in our village the strays seem to gather mainly in one of the three temples, where they are fed by the monks, and one of our dogs was the offspring of a stray from that temple.

Care of dogs: In our village dogs are generally well cared for, in that they are well fed and homes, some responsible owners even control reproduction with hormone shots.

Strays: There are the occasional strays, but here in our village they are few.

In the big city it's not uncommon to see, what appear to be, strays. The strays I've seen in town generally aren't too unhealthy, so it's safe to assume they are being fed by someone.

Unlike my experience in Africa, if a stray dog isn't viscous the locals just leave them alone. Although I haven't seen any vicious dogs I'm assuming that should there be any they are dealt with, probably by the police with a lead injection!

Opinion: While there are a lot more strays, than you would expect to see in my home country, the Thai attitude to them is generally more favourable than a lot of places.

Firstly personal observation isn't ever conclusive and the sins observed in one country don't ever mitigate the sins of another.

- Many organisations that work around the world will tell you that Thailand is one of the worst culprits - there is good reason for this. Thailand has a massive tourist industry - one of the largest in the world and a large amount of the animal abuse/exploitation is directed towards this market.......it is much larger than in other countries so the abuse is far more widespread and the amount of creatures greater.

The effect this is having on S.E. Asia's wildlife is bad enough, but it even extends to supporting exploitation around the world - vis-a-vis the trading in ivory from African elephants - a lot of the cruelty and capture or killing of animals in Africa is actually to supply the trade in Asia - e.g. Thailand. many of the reptiles and other animals you see being touted on the streets are not native species - they come from overseas...

Judging a country by western standards isn't a good idea either. A nation struggling to survive can't afford to impose too many restrictive measures.

Both the UK and US have lost jobs to SE Asian countries because we have rules and regulations to protect environment, workforce, etc. Countries like Thailand would suffer considerably if they imposed western regulations and watch as neighbouring countries take all the jobs.

I'm sure you, like me, try to avoid places that exploit animals, but unfortunately there are too many farang tourists quite willing to pay to ride on an elephant. Rather than whinge about a Thai trying to make a living in whatever way he can it would better to educate the tourists in their home countries, and there have been numerous campaigns operating on this basis. Just follow Rickey Gervais on Twitter and you'll see some of these campaigns.

"Judging a country by western standards isn't a good idea either." - it's not western standards, it's a world ecology. Furthermore Thailand is NOT a poor country.

In fact if the environment is functioning well it CREATES jobs. the prawn farms that the EU are so disapproving of are built on mangroves - not only do they use slave labor, they pollute the water are an inefficient way of producing food and the very location on mangroves destroys fish stocks in the Gulf. You need to differentiate between a quick exploitative buck for a wealthy elite and creating a future in which the country has sustainable food industries complete with a good supply of such things as water and land. Thailand's ignores this at the peril and so long as the elite are making money and slave labor is available who cares that the wealth isn't distributed?

I'm not "whinging" about Thais trying to make a living at all - if you read my posts you will see I'm extremely critical of ignorant westerners who support this industry. But simply trying to say that if we don't have one thing, there will be no money is a complete misunderstanding of the situation. what is called for is sustainable activities, whether they be in tourism agriculture or even urban planning, .....do this and you will immeasurably improve the living standards and quality of life of the rank and file in Thailand.

in fact the most powerful influence on Thailand’s animal exploitation recently has come from CITES not small private campaigns - Thailand is signed up to this major international treaty and has been hailed over the coals several times - especially regarding the ivory trade. Sanctions from this lot are a reality and Thailand reluctantly took steps to avoid this.

It is quite likely that the antics of the tiger temple re- trading of tigers may also attract their attention.

They have recently introduced the first ever animal protection laws - the fact is they are a joke as is their enforcement, but it is the proverbial thin end of the wedge. Thailand is not an island in any respect, when it comes to wildlife welfare and conservation they are part of the world community and can't avoid it any more than claim in Thailand the world is flat...it is in the end inescapable.

[cumgranosalum]

BTW - there are estimated to be about 300,000 "soi dogs" in Bangkok. Make sure you get a good definition for Soi dogs before you comment!

[ghworker2010]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

I totally agree with this comment.

A lot of dogs are neglected with mange and broken legs walking around. Thai folk are too lazy or kee neow to take to the vet. Walking a dog everyday are you kidding. Thai's have no ideas when it comes to our fury friends

[cumgranosalum]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

I totally agree with this comment.

A lot of dogs are neglected with mange and broken legs walking around. Thai folk are too lazy or kee neow to take to the vet. Walking a dog everyday are you kidding. Thai's have no ideas when it comes to our fury friends

I agree that many, if not most, Thai people seem to look at dogs who are clearly in a terrible state and do nothing.

Why is not as clear - I think a lot of it has to do with the concept of the suffering and various lives we have to go through on our journey to enlightenment. Taking life of any kind - even a mosquito is not acceptable to many Thais - (look at the faces around the room if your squash a fly or mozzie) - but a lot seems very hypocritical, especially the idea that leaving some fried rice out in a plastic bag will earn you merit....just as transferring a fish from one tank to the next or releasing a bird that will quickly be re-caught.

IMO much of this is down to a lack of REAL education, rather than how to think Thai people have for Decades (centuries even) been taught to accept and not disturb the harmony. an in-depth look at animals and their welfare is replaced by a Disney-esque cartoon version that starts with feeding the odd dog (a BIG mistake) and ends in "Hello KiTTY".......

[kannot]

Huh! they say they "love " dogs yet look at the state of them, on top of that anyone who really loved their dog wouldnt let it wander the streets yet as usual they are too lazy to exercise them just let it out into the road to cause carnage and crap all over.

Sadly a good thread re an article in the Bangkok Post was closed yesterday with a Thai writer commenting on "The easy way" ....ie LAZY.

in your opinion of course. Love the quote to lazy you obviously not know about thai work culture. But please carry on living in your bubble. As for dogs think you will find most dogs who wander belong to no one soi dogs or village dogs that are just fed by locals. Lazy 5555555555

My bubble doesnt include free rosy spectacles

The author of the Thai easy way was WASANT TECHAWONGTHAM you can look up the BKK post article.

Village dogs with "collars" wander the streets daily throughout the villagers round here usually 5pm onwards and early morning.

Thai workculture? sound like youve bought it hook line and sinker

Don't have to buy culture it's my culture. I work hard 6 days a week so my family does as well. We have three dog all well looked after all walked everyday on lead after we finish from work. You know nothing of my culture exept what you read and see on here thank you.

Your culture kills 13000+ a year on the road......do you think thats acceptable as thats mostly lazy driving? As for walking your dogs you are the exception not the rule

Why you change dicussion from animal cruelty to animals dying on road!!!!!!. You say lazy driving up to you if you want to carry on thinking that your welcome Luckly I know better. You should come to my village you will see it is the rule here not the exeption. But sure you sit looking at TV for your facts. Small small view but seem to think everything written is rule must be true Farang say so 555555. Time maybe to get out of house and use your eyes

Whats most interesting is your defence and makes me see what I'm up against as a nation