BANGKOK – People living in a village in Chai district of Buri Ram have raised concerns with local police over regular attacks by a neighbour’s pit bulls and Thai ridgeback along the local road. Many need to pass the dogs to reach their farms or take their children to school.

On 25 August, a Thai ridgeback dog bit a 31-year-old woman as she rode her motorcycle home with her baby after dropping off fruit at customers. The dog bit her right ankle, leaving her bleeding. The dog’s owner offered to help pay for her medical treatment and drive her to the hospital.

The owner paid for her first medical visit. However, the woman still has follow-up appointments. Her family is worried as the injury continues to hurt and shows signs of infection.

The dog owner admitted to police that her dogs had attacked locals and has covered the cost for hospital visits or provided 500 to 1,000 baht for treatment. The owner claims everyone bitten gets help, but also says some neighbours have claimed her pit bulls are responsible for injuries caused by other animals.

More Dog Attacks

According to police, a 17-year-old student said she and her friends were chased several times while riding to school, but did not get hurt. An older man bitten last February said the owner paid for his anti-rabies shots and stayed in contact. He said he holds no grudge, saying he understands the dogs are there for protection.

The village headman confirmed there have been no official complaints because those involved settle matters privately. He urged the owner to keep the dogs secure so they can’t get out again. The owner has agreed to step up efforts to keep the dogs inside the property and prevent further attacks.

The Thai Ridgeback, an ancient and striking breed hailing from Thailand, is a captivating blend of strength, agility, and loyalty, distinguished by the unique ridge of hair along its back that grows in the opposite direction of its coat.

This medium-sized, muscular dog, typically weighing between 35 to 75 pounds, boasts a sleek, short coat that comes in solid colours like red, black, blue, or fawn, often with a black mask enhancing its alert, intelligent expression.

Historically, Thai Ridgebacks served as versatile working dogs in rural Thailand, employed for hunting, guarding homes, and even escorting carts, their resilience and independence honed by the region’s challenging environment.

Known for their protective instincts and strong bond with family, they are wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs, though their aloof nature requires early socialization to ensure a balanced temperament.

Their high energy and athleticism demand regular exercise, ideally in secure spaces where they can run freely, as their prey drive can lead them to chase smaller animals. Despite their rugged capabilities, Thai Ridgebacks are low-maintenance in grooming due to their short coat, but thrive best with experienced owners who can provide firm, consistent training to channel their intelligence and stubborn streak.

With a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, this rare breed, one of only three with a dorsal ridge (alongside the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Phu Quoc Ridgeback), remains a loyal and formidable companion, embodying Thailand’s cultural heritage and enduring spirit.

Strict Rules for Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls, specifically breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Bulldog, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, face strict regulations due to their perceived aggression.

While it is not illegal to own these breeds, importing them is prohibited under a 2005 ban by the Department of Livestock Development, with penalties including a 5,000 baht fine and potential dog confiscation. Ownership requires registration with local district offices, and these dogs must be leashed and muzzled in public, though enforcement is often lax.

Despite the import ban, Pit Bulls are present in Thailand, often bred locally for guard duties, competitions, or as status symbols. Some kennels, like SSKnl’s in Pattaya and TNT Kennel in Nakhon Pathom, promote them as family-friendly when properly trained, emphasizing socialization and responsible ownership.

However, incidents of Pit Bull attacks, such as fatal maulings in Pathum Thani (2024) and Chon Buri (2025), have fueled public fear and calls for stricter breed-specific legislation. These events highlight issues with irresponsible owners and crossbred dogs, which may exhibit heightened aggression