In Thailand confrontations with aggressive Soi dogs is an everyday common occurrence. Local Thais know how to deal and fend off and protect themselves from Soi dogs so they come out unscathed. Sadly there are reports of death by dog mauling on children. Fortunately those stories are few and far in between.

As a short stay tourist you may not come across a vicious Soi dog especially when you are in the heavily traveled tourist destinations in Bangkok. But what do you do when you come across a wild Soi dog eying you like a t-bone steak? Do you fight or do you run?



Soi dogs are strays found throughout Thailand and there are many roaming the lanes and alleyways which in Thai are called 'Soi'. They usually congregate in packs, living in open lots and vacant spaces. Most Soi dogs are harmless pooches and are taken care of and fed by Thais who run street side businesses and kind residents. While eating at a street side restaurant you may find a few harmlessly begging for food by your table.

But you may come across some that are very aggressive and look like it's ready to do bodily harm. The first thing you should do is to stay calm because dogs can smell fear. I know it's not easy when you are face to face with one or more snarling and growling at you.



I've had more than a few hairy encounters with Soi dogs but mostly on the secluded beaches of Thailand's beautiful islands and coastline. There were instances where dogs would bark at me while I am snorkeling off shallow waters. It is most likely due to my appearance of having snorkeling gear on me, so I can see why the dogs would bark at me as if I were the creature from the Black Lagoon. But those occurrences were a walk in the park.

