Rescue dogs in Bangkok search and comfort after quake

STORY: :: April 2, 2025

:: Bangkok, Thailand

:: Rescue dogs in Bangkok sniff for signs of life and comfort families after the quake

:: Chanpen Keawnoi/Relative of trapped victims

“It gave me a bit of comfort. They said as long as the dog keeps barking when it hears a signal, there’s still a chance someone could be alive.”

:: Susan Redmond/Senior K9 handler/Lead training instructor

“Our dogs are well trained as such we can use them for dual purpose. So their job is search and rescue but in a situation like this when we’re not working because we are waiting for the instructions, we can also use them for emotional support.”

“A dog has amazing powers, and touching a dog really gives some nice relief for people, so it’s a good emotional support.”

Inside a temporary shelter, two golden retrievers—covered in soft fur and wearing light-up vests—were met by families of the missing. Children patted their heads. Some relatives spoke softly to the dogs, as if they could carry their hopes into the rubble.

Chanpen Keawnoi, whose mother and younger sister remain missing, said the brief interaction brought a small sense of comfort.

Officials said the dogs—normally used to detect both survivors and bodies—were temporarily reassigned to help ease the emotional strain while rescue teams awaited further instruction.

The search and rescue operation in Bangkok has stretched beyond 100 hours, with 22 confirmed deaths nationwide and 72 people still missing as of 6:00 a.m. (2300 GMT), according to official updates.

In Myanmar, over 2,700 deaths have been reported as a result of a powerful earthquake that struck the country on Friday (March 28).