What next? Dog passports, of course

PHUKET: Phuket has begun issuing dog passports, making it the first place in Asia (and the second in the world) to do so, according to the Phuket Provincial Livestock Office (PPLO). Koh Samui will be the next location in Thailand to adopt the system, with the rest of the country to follow in due course. The introduction of dog passports, which are issued free of charge and which (so far) are not compulsory, is an expansion of the PPLO’s campaign against rabies, which began with the office keeping records of dogs that have been vaccinated against the disease. Thai law requires pet dogs to be vaccinated for rabies. A spokesperson for the PPLO told the Gazette, “The idea is to compile a record of each dog’s vaccination history so we can keep rabies at bay indirectly, while also allowing dog owners to take their pets abroad.” To get a dog passport, owners must take their pets to the PPLO’s office on Narisorn Rd in Phuket Town. Owners will also need to bring a photo of themselves; two 7.62 cm x 12.7 cm photos of the right side of the dog’s head and two of the left side; details such as the dog’s breed, age and name; and a record of the vaccines administered to the dog and the date(s) thereof. As we go to press, the Gazette understands that alien guard dogs, show dogs, and others “exerting energy or using knowledge” need not (yet) hold work permits. For additional information (on dog passports), call the PPLO at 216934.