Regional News
Majesty the King Visits Dog Shelter in Hua Hin
Hua Hin Dog Shelter was initiated by the King in 2003 when he took up residence at Klai Kangwon Palace and noticed the problem of stray dogs in Hua Hin area.
The King later provided a fund raised from sales of T-shirts bearing the photo of His Majesty’s favorite dog “Khun Thongdaeng”, for the building of the dog shelter on a 20-rai plot of land allocated by Wat Khao Itikukhato.
Apart from financial support for the construction of the center, His Majesty also granted a sum of money to establish a foundation to run Hua Hin Dog Shelter.
His Majesty has constantly contributed to the fund with the latest portion made on February 7, this year. The center currently has well-trained veterinarians offering various medical services such as vaccination, neutering of female dogs and treatment for the injured. It has records on the history and developments of all dogs under its care for efficient control and treatment.
The King also observed other activities outside the ShelterDuring the visit, the King toured inside the center, observing its activities such as physical rehabilitation to treat canine Osteoarthritis through exercise and water therapy. The center currently has the capacity to take care of 812 dogs and has selected 47 healthy puppies and fully grown dogs with good behavior for prospective owners to bring them home.
He also fed food to dogs and observed the vehicle to receive dog’s blood, belonging to the Veterinary Hospital of Kasetsart University Hua Hin Campus.
The hospital expects to receive 400 bags of blood donations for use in one year. His Majesty then visited the statue of Khun Thongdaeng and anointed the plate of history of his favorite pet dog.
Thongdaeng was born in November 1998 to a stray mother in a street near the royal medical development center in วังทองหลางdistrict, Bangkok. His Majesty has praised Thongdaeng as a humble and grateful dog which always shows respect to its owner.
The King also observed other activities outside the Shelter’s building such as biogas production from dog excrement and shops selling dog-related souvenirs and products for pet animals. Proceeds from the sales go to support the center, in addition to public donations and the municipality’s budget.