PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities warned tourists in Pattaya to avoid contact with stray dogs and cats after the government reported ongoing rabies cases across the country.
Assessment by authorities
The Office of the Prime Minister confirmed that rabies infections continued to be detected in several regions of Thailand and that the situation in eastern, northeastern and southern provinces was considered particularly worrying.
According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Airin Phanrit, the situation still gave cause for concern, even though regular vaccination campaigns for animals were in place in some areas.
Current cases and regional spread
The Department of Disease Control reported that between 1 January and 20 February 2026, one human death caused by rabies was recorded in Rayong province.
In the same period, laboratory tests confirmed rabies in 50 animals nationwide, most of them dogs.
Heightened risk in Pattaya
In Pattaya, no human deaths had been reported so far, but authorities pointed to the large number of stray animals at beaches, temples, markets and around nightlife areas, which posed a real risk for visitors unfamiliar with local conditions.
Tourists who were less aware of local health risks could be lulled into a false sense of security by animals that appeared tame or friendly.
How to behave around animals
Holidaymakers were strongly warned not to pet, feed or approach stray dogs and cats, even if they seemed calm or friendly.
Authorities reminded the public that infected animals could show noticeable behavioural changes such as sudden aggression, unusual lethargy, heavy salivation or difficulty walking.
Medical emergencies after bites
Health authorities stressed that after any bite or scratch by a dog or cat, the wound had to be washed immediately with water and soap for at least 15 minutes, disinfected and followed by prompt medical care for a rabies vaccination.
Waiting to observe the animal was explicitly classified as dangerous and was not recommended.
Prevention and the “5 Don’ts”
For prevention, agencies referred to the nationwide “5 Don’ts” principle, which advised people not to tease dogs, not to step on them, not to intervene in dog fights, not to disturb them while they were eating and not to approach stray animals.
Authorities also issued a strong warning not to slaughter or consume animals that had died for unknown reasons, as rabies could be transmitted from animals to humans and there was no cure once symptoms appeared.
Responsibility of pet owners
Pet owners, including long-term foreign residents in Pattaya, were urged to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies regularly, particularly on an annual basis.
Suspected cases could be reported to local Livestock Offices or the Department of Livestock Development, while hotlines of the Department of Disease Control at 1422 and of the Department of Livestock Development at 06-3225-6888 were available around the clock for information and urgent advice.
“Rabies is invariably fatal in humans once symptoms appear and is mainly transmitted through bites from infected animals.”
said health authorities.