The message has come from Rawai Mayor, Arun Soros, after The Phuket News contacted him on Monday (June 15) to discuss the current situation with Nai Harn̕s soi dogs. An issue which Mr Arun is still trying to resolve.
“We have had several meetings about dogs on Nai Harn beach, both owned and soi dogs, as we have received a number of complaints about them.
“However, at the most recent meeting we finally agreed on times that we will allow the public to bring their dogs to the beach. This will be before 8am and after 6pm. “Anywhere inbetween those times dogs are not allowed, but they can be taken to the pinetree area near the lake.
“One point I would like to stress, however, is that all dog walkers must clean up their dog̕s feaces and must not let the dogs disturb the people around,” Mr Arun told The Phuket News.
“There are many kinds of people who go to the beach. Many love dogs, some do not care much about seeing dogs but do not want the dogs to disturb them. Although there are others who do not like dogs at all.
“I have to make solutions to allow everyone to use the beach peacefully,” he added.
With regards to the stray dogs living on Nai Harn Beach, the mayor insisted that he is looking for a place where they can be kept.
“The dog shelter in Suan Pa Bang Kanun, Thalang is already full. The Livestock Office does not have enough manpower to handle this, so we are trying to figure out a solution,” he said.
He added that in the meantime, the SoiDog Foundation has volunteered to make up signs to explain about how to co-exist with the beach dogs.
SoiDog founder, John Dalley, recently posted a message on the Nai Harn Beach Dog Facebook page (www.facebook.com/naiharnbeachdogs) that after meeting with the mayor at the beginning of the month to discuss about the situation they came up with some temporary solutions to the problem.
The messasge read:
“Members of SoiDog, including myself, met with the Rawai OrBorTor (Mayor) to discuss the dog site in the Nai Harn area (not just the beach).
“After a lengthy and cordial meeting, the OrBorTor is supportive of the plight of the dogs (he has 10 of his own).
“He said that there are too many dogs hanging out in specific spots waiting for the next food handout. Specifically; outside the temple and on the sidewalk opposite by the entrance to the lake island. This is of particular concern due to the heavy cyclists, runner and walker population especially early evening; there have been accidents and interactions.
“Also, outside the Burmese workers camp at the other end of the lake; same reasons as above, Prompthep Cape (on the bend in the road before the main tourist area) and Nai Harn Beach where the OrBorTor is comfortable with the numbers of dogs on the beach but does not want to see an increase.
“He mentioned that SoiDog will create, and the OrBorTor will post awareness signs explaining that the stray dogs are all vaccinated and rabies free, and offering guidelines of how to safely interact should the visitor wish to "Do's and don'ts". The signs will also encourage visitors / tourists to adopt a dog and explain that SoiDog will help to get the dog to their home country.”