NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND – A 53-year-old man died from rabies after failing to seek treatment for a dog bite in northeastern Thailand.
Dog bite in December led to fatal infection
On 6 December 2025, the man was bitten on both legs by a dog in Pho Klang. He stayed at home instead of going to hospital, did not see a doctor and did not receive a rabies vaccination. Provincial chief health officer Dr. Vicharn Kidhen later confirmed the fatal outcome.
Severe symptoms emerged weeks after the bite
Weeks after the bite, the man suddenly developed high fever and difficulty swallowing. Mucus production and breathing problems followed, and his relatives took him to Suranaree Military Hospital. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he became extremely fatigued, unable to drink or eat.
Transfer to larger hospital could not save patient
When his condition became critical, he was transferred to the larger Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Doctors there fought to save his life, but all efforts came too late. He died last Sunday from the rabies infection, the second death from the disease this year.
Previous rabies death reported in Rayong
A few weeks earlier, the first rabies death of the year had been reported in Rayong province. The disease, transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. According to a doctor quoted in the report,
“A prompt vaccination after the bite would have saved his life.”
said a doctor.
Health authorities issue urgent appeal
Health authorities issued an urgent warning that every animal bite – whether from a dog, cat or monkey – must be treated by a doctor immediately. Rabies vaccination is widely available in hospitals across Thailand and is described as the only protection against almost certain death.
“Go to the doctor immediately for every bite. Do not hesitate. It is about your life,”
said Dr. Vicharn Kidhen, provincial chief health officer.
Rabies risk remains high in Thailand
Thailand has many street dogs, and the risk of infection is constant, particularly in rural areas. The rabies vaccine consists of several doses over a period of several weeks; it is painful but considered life-saving. The two deaths this year were described as a tragic warning that ignoring a bite is like playing with fire and can ultimately cost a person their life.