Thailand Sets Up Pet Shelters for Animals Left Behind Amid Border Clashes with Cambodia

As deadly clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces continue along the border, Thai authorities have opened safe spaces for pets whose owners were forced to flee the violence.

Local offices of Thailand’s Livestock Department are providing temporary shelters in several border provinces to care for animals left behind during the evacuations.

In Surin province, officials at the Livestock Breeding and Research Center have set up covered cages at the facility’s entrance to house displaced pets. As of Sunday, the center was caring for five dogs and two cats, with room to accommodate up to 20 animals.

“We’ve opened our space for cats and dogs that residents or farmers can’t bring into evacuation centers,” said Sornchai Kongsook, director of the center. “Some have had to stay at hotels that don’t allow pets, so we’re stepping in to help.”

While no livestock have yet been brought to the shelter, officials have prepared food for cows and buffaloes left behind in conflict zones. Many farmers in Thailand’s northeast rely on livestock, and herds can still be seen roaming through largely abandoned farmlands.

The fighting, which erupted last week, has already killed dozens and displaced thousands.

One of the evacuees, Wilawan Duangvao, an elementary school teacher, had to leave her two dogs — Khawtom and Khaitun — at the shelter after receiving an evacuation order in Prasat district.

Returning to check on them the next day, she tearfully hugged her pets as they jumped and wagged their tails in excitement.

“At home now, the power and water are cut off. I was scared to leave them there alone,” Wilawan said. She is currently helping care for evacuees at her school, which has been converted into a temporary shelter that does not allow animals.

“I’m so grateful to the officials. They took my dogs in with open arms and asked for nothing in return,” she said. “I feel relieved knowing they’re safe.”

As border tensions escalate, Thai authorities say they will continue offering refuge for animals until their owners can safely return.