Bangkok residents, listen up: city health officials have raised a rabies red flag after several animals tested positive, and they’re asking everyone in and around Prawet to keep their distance from stray dogs and cats. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Public Health Veterinary Office has drawn a 5-kilometre alert ring around Soi Chaloem Prakiat Rama 9 Soi 49 (Chaloem Prakiat Rama 9 Road), in Nong Bon subdistrict, Prawet district — and that zone stretches into parts of several busy Bangkok and Samut Prakan neighbourhoods.
If you live, work, or commute through the area, here’s what you need to know — fast, practical, and without panicking.
- Where the alert applies: the 5-km zone around Soi Chaloem Prakiat Rama 9 Soi 49 (Nong Bon, Prawet district).
- Affected subdistricts: Nong Bon, Dokmai, Prawet (Prawet district); On Nut, Phatthanakan (Suan Luang); Thap Chang (Saphan Sung); Lat Krabang (Lat Krabang district); Bang Na Nuea (Bang Na); Bang Chak (Phra Khanong); and Bang Kaeo and Racha Thewa (Bang Phli, Samut Prakan).
- Official outbreak window: Livestock Office Area 10 has declared a temporary animal disease outbreak zone from September 9 to October 8.
Why does this matter? Rabies is one of those diseases that doesn’t mess around. Once clinical signs appear, it’s nearly always fatal for the animal — and potentially deadly for people unless treated immediately. Officials are stressing three simple steps to reduce risk: avoid contact with stray animals, keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date, and report suspect animals right away.
Signs to watch for in animals include restlessness, sudden aggressive behaviour, biting objects or people, stiffness, excessive drooling, and that unsettling “hanging tongue” look. If you see a dog or cat acting oddly or find an animal dead, call the Dog Control and Shelter (Prawet) at 02-328-7460 or 02-328-7355. Don’t attempt to catch or handle the animal yourself — give the professionals a call.
If you’re unlucky enough to be bitten or exposed to an animal suspected of carrying rabies: wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately, then get to a medical facility without delay to begin post-exposure prophylaxis (the rabies vaccine). The veterinary office and local health authorities are repeating this message because timely medical care is the single most effective way to prevent human rabies after exposure.
Authorities have also asked for community cooperation. That means: don’t feed or touch stray animals in the affected zones, ensure your own dogs and cats are vaccinated and wearing ID, and report anything suspicious. If you’re in Prawet, Suan Luang, Lat Krabang, Saphan Sung, Bang Na, Phra Khanong, or the Bang Phli area of Samut Prakan, adopt a higher level of caution for the next few weeks while monitoring continues.
Amarin TV reported that the veterinary office will be coordinating closely with local officials to manage the situation and keep the public informed. Expect increased patrols, possible capture and testing of stray animals, and community outreach from municipal health teams. Officials recommend following official channels for updates and adhering strictly to the posted safety instructions.
Practical quick checklist for residents and visitors
- Avoid contact with stray dogs and cats — do not pet, chase, or corner them.
- Keep your pets’ vaccinations current and avoid letting them roam freely in the alert zone.
- If bitten or scratched: wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.
- Report sick, aggressive, or dead animals to Dog Control and Shelter (Prawet): 02-328-7460 or 02-328-7355.
- Stay informed via official BMA announcements and local news outlets; follow public health guidance.
This outbreak is a sober reminder that rabies remains a public health concern even in urban settings. The good news? With fast, informed action and community cooperation — avoiding stray animals, vaccinating pets, and reporting cases — the spread can be controlled. So keep calm, be cautious, and help protect your family, neighbours, and four-legged friends by following the guidance while authorities do their job.
For immediate concerns, especially in the Prawet area and surrounding districts listed above, call the Dog Control and Shelter (Prawet) numbers: 02-328-7460 or 02-328-7355. Every call helps authorities track and contain the outbreak faster.
Stay safe, Bangkok — watch your step, watch your pets, and if you see something suspicious, say something. Better safe than sorry.
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