It is estimated there are around 8.5 million dogs in Thailand. Not quite as many as in the UK but it is further reckoned that around 750,000 of these muts have been abandoned and that, if nothing is done, in just over 5 years time there will be around 2 million of these so called Soi (street) dogs (and a few cats) roaming the towns, cities and the countryside. I do have to say, though, that some of them are really quite sweet!
There have been some attempts at controlling the numbers. For example, a while back, euthanasia was tried but cancelled after upsetting some Buddhists who said it was against their principles. And some, it is rumoured, are rounded up and sold to Vietnam and China to end up on the dining room table! Sadly, there are stories that now some end up on the dining tables of the more impoverished members of Thai society. Canine registration has also been attempted and might even still be the law here. But most Thais can’t afford or be bothered with the cost of microchipping and the paperwork involved. So, the soi dog numbers increase.
There are two distinct schools of thought about such animals. On the one hand, many see them as not only a blooming nuisance and often intimidating but also a dangerous hazard when driving
-especially at night as they often plonk themselves firmly in the middle of the road with, seemingly, not a care in the world, particularly when a vehicle is approaching. On the other hand, others seem to see it as their civic duty to feed these creatures thus ensuring that their numbers increase!
I love animals but just wish there was more of a concerted effort to keep them off the highways as it does make driving even more dangerous in a country that already has one of the highest road mortality rates on the planet.
The economic fallout from the Covid pandemic gathers pace here. The hospitality sector of the economy (which accounts for more than 20% of the government’s entire income) has been decimated. All bars are still shut. Restaurants can open but with limited seating albeit with no alcohol sales and many hotels have now closed their doors for good. For one reason or another, we had to go to Bangkok a few weeks ago. It was like the film set of some post apocalyptic sci-fi movie. Almost deserted. All boarded up. Shocking!
The Thais, though, are a resourceful lot. So, you would be surprised to see how many of the bars have suddenly transformed themselves into ‘restaurants’ and the number of street food sellers have, certainly doubled or even trebled since the pandemic armageddon struck
although not always with the most enticing names!
In Bangkok it is estimated that more than 2000 taxis have been taken out of service for lack of business as the drivers can’t afford to keep them on the road. during the economic crisis here. In a show of great initiative, though, (or perhaps desperation) a few of them have turned some of these abandoned vehicles into a sort of urban vegetable growing collective!
In a land where there are little or no government hand outs, sheer survival creates some surprising enterprises.
Whilst the majority of Thais seem prepared to turn their hands to almost anything in order to put food on the table for their family, there is still this overall belief that Lady Luck will intervene to help them out. Thus the approaching bi monthly government lottery always creates a frenzy of activity in trying to anticipate the winning numbers. I mentioned last time that I thought that the dusting of a live toad was just a bit of wifely eccentricity but clearly it was not a one off as, a few days ago, I discovered our bar/restaurant manager Ton, subjecting a live turtle that he had fished out of a nearby river (can you ‘fish’ a turtle?) to the same treatment.
Much studying of this poor creature was undertaken before he was returned, unharmed, to his more natural habitat. As this turned out to be a totally fruitless exercise, I just wonder what number revealing schemes will Nokky and Ton come up with next time.
About 60km south of Hua Hin is the Sam Roi Yot National Park an area of some 100 sq km one third of which is taken up by Thailand’s largest freshwater marsh that teems with all manner of wildlife, best explored on an hour + long boat trip that meanders through the reeds
and the water lilies
against a background of an impressive range of limestone hills – and all less than 1 km from the sea.
The flora and fauna in this virtually undiscovered spot is breathtaking.
Another visit here has already been added to our ‘must do’ list when we are able to welcome family and friends to visit again.
There were high hopes that 1st October would see a further relaxation of some of the Covid restrictions – even, perhaps, allowing the sale of alcohol again and cancelling the curfew. In fact, but a few days ago, government officials were confidently predicting this. But, as so often happens in this crazy but delightful country, nothing is certain until it actually happens which makes any sort of future planning well nigh impossible. So now the talk is of a 15th October relaxation date but nobody is holding their breath!
Until the next time – whenever that is!
Richard
thelasthurrahsite 