All 50 Bangkok districts have been instructed to put up signs directing vendors and citizens not to feed pigeons and to educate the public on their inherent danger. These steps were taken after finding that many pigeons are carrying dangerous bacteria. The capital is now embarking on urgent and long-term measures. Sellers of pigeon feed have been warned that they are now in violation of the Public Cleanliness and Order Act and are subject to fines up to 2,000 baht as well as the Animal Feed Control Act, which brings with it a fine of up to 10,000 baht. Feeding pigeons is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 25,000 baht.

Please note, many of the signs that are being put up are only in the Thai language. Like the cigarette stub scam, this will surely result in foreign tourists being scammed by unscrupulous city officials. If you feel that you are being unfairly treated, please call the Tourist Police on 1155. I did exactly that a few years ago when I saw a vendor tricking a foreign tourist into buying bird feed. Please help spread the message that feeding of pigeons is now illegal in Bangkok and a number of other cities around Thailand such as Chiang Mai.

Main source: National News Bureau & Public Relations