Chonburi, Thailand, June 20th, 2026
Local authorities and volunteer rescue teams successfully saved 13 stray dogs trapped for days in a large, nearly empty water retention pond in the Khao Mai Kaew area of Banglamung district on Friday.
The dogs, known locally as “soi dogs,” were unable to escape the pond’s steep banks, which were lined with slippery black polyethylene (PE) sheeting designed to retain water. The pond, spanning roughly 20 rai (approximately 8 acres), contained only shallow, muddy water by the time rescuers arrived, leaving the animals exhausted and vulnerable.
The rescue operation was triggered by a viral Facebook appeal posted by a user identified as “Nueng Lamnarai Lopburi,” who spotted the distressed dogs. The post quickly drew widespread attention, bringing a coordinated response from Banglamung district officials, Khao Mai Kaew Municipality, community volunteers, and the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Foundation.
Rescuers faced challenges as the panicked dogs resisted capture, with some even biting team members, incidents that required post-exposure rabies treatment. Tranquilizer darts were used to sedate the animals before they were carefully extracted using rope ladders and other equipment. By Friday evening, all 13 dogs had been safely removed and transported to a local shelter for medical treatment, food, and care.
Reports circulating on social media earlier suggested more than 20 dogs may have initially been trapped, with unconfirmed claims of fatalities, but officials confirmed 13 live rescues and no deaths.
The incident has pointed out ongoing safety concerns regarding unsecured or poorly designed water storage ponds and retention basins across Thailand, which can become death traps for both animals and humans, especially during drier periods when water levels drop.
Authorities are now reviewing the site to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Photo credit Pattaya Rescue.
