On February 4, 2026, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), through its Health Department and Environmental Departments, joined forces with the Society for the Promotion of Animal Welfare under Royal Patronage to conduct a proactive outreach program at Lumphini Park. This mission was launched following the discovery of cats infected with Sporotrichosis, a serious and potentially zoonotic “flesh-eating” fungal infection. During the operation, officials successfully captured four infected cats, which have since been sent to the BMA Dog Control Center in Prawet District for specialized treatment and monitoring. To ensure public safety and prevent a recurrence of the outbreak, veterinarians from the BMA Public Health Veterinary Office will continue to survey the park regularly.
This rescue effort is part of a broader, sustainable plan to manage the feline population within Bangkok’s public spaces. Beyond medical treatment, the BMA is currently surveying the park to identify unsterilized cats. In coordination with mobile veterinary units, the administration plans to conduct onsite sterilization procedures to prevent further overpopulation. The issue of stray cats in Lumphini Park has been a chronic challenge for over a decade, largely driven by owners who abandon their pets in the park. The BMA emphasizes that this “love without responsibility” shifts a heavy burden onto society and causes immense suffering for the animals, who are often left in unfamiliar, disease-prone environments.
In a stern reminder to the public, the BMA noted that abandoning animals in public places is a direct violation of Section 23 of the Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animals Act, B.E. 2557 (2014). Those found guilty of abandoning their pets face a significant fine of up to 40,000 baht. The administration urges all residents to work together to make Bangkok a “Livable City for All” by practicing responsible pet ownership. If you truly love your four-legged friends, please ensure they receive the care they deserve rather than making them a social problem.
#BMA #LumphiniPark
