New Law Requires Microchipping for Dogs and Cats in Bangkok

New Law Requires Microchipping for Dogs and Cats in Bangkok

Beginning January 10, 2026, Bangkok will enforce new regulations governing pet ownership and the release of animals. These regulations will limit the number of pets based on property size and require all pets to be registered and microchipped. Non-compliance will result in legal penalties. Human rights advocates are concerned that this will eventually lead to microchipping requirements for Thai citizens. However, according to Thailand criminal lawyer Jiraporn Thongphong, existing laws protect Thai citizens from invasions of their privacy and personal rights. In particular, Section 35 of the Thai Constitution protects an individual’s right to privacy, and the Thailand Personal Data Protection Act sets limits on how personal data may be collected and stored.

Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapal, spokesperson for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), announced that the “2024 Animal Keeping and Releasing Control Regulation” was published in the Government Gazette on January 15, 2025, and will come into effect in 2026. The regulation is designed to ensure the safety of both people and pets.

Pet owners and those intending to keep pets are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the regulation before it comes into force. Violations may result in penalties under the law.

Mr. Naphaphon Jirakul added that once the regulation is implemented, it will systematically address issues related to pets, stray animals, and dangerous animals in Bangkok—helping to create a safer and more livable environment for all residents.

The ordinance is enacted under Section 29 of the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535 (1992), as amended by the Public Health Act (No. 3), B.E. 2560 (2017), along with Section 97 of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act, B.E. 2528 (1985). Once enforced, pet owners will be required to register the number of animals in their care. A 360-day grace period will be provided for compliance before any penalties are applied under the Public Health Act.

Key Provisions of the Regulation:

Animal Limit Based on Property Size:

1. Large mammals (e.g., cows, buffaloes, horses, deer): No more than 1 animal per 50 square meters.
2. Small mammals (e.g., goats, sheep, pigs, miniature horses): No more than 3 animals per 50 square meters.
3. Poultry:
   • Chickens, ducks, geese: No more than 1 bird per 4 square meters.
   • Large birds (e.g., ostriches): No more than 1 bird per 50 square meters.
   • Small birds: No more than 5 birds per 1 square meter.

Restrictions on Keeping or Releasing Animals in Public:

It is prohibited to keep or release controlled animals in public places or on roads in Bangkok, except in the following cases:

1. For medical treatment or immune system enhancement.
2. For activities approved by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
3. Due to relocation of the animal owner.
4. For government purposes, charity, or traditional ceremonies.

Dog and Cat Registration Requirements:

Pet owners must register their dogs and cats and have them microchipped within 120 days of birth or within 30 days of bringing them into Bangkok. The number of dogs and cats allowed depends on the property type and size:

• Rental room or condominium (20–80 sq. m.): Maximum 1 pet.
• Rental room or condominium (80+ sq. m.): Maximum 2 pets.
• Land up to 20 square wah: Maximum 2 dogs.
• Land up to 50 sq. m.: Maximum 3 animals.
• Land up to 100 sq. m.: Maximum 4 animals.
• Land over 100 sq. m.: Maximum 6 animals.

When Taking Your Pet Out:

• Pets must be kept on a leash or in a suitable bag, cage, or crate.
• Owners must control their pets to prevent disturbances.
• Owners must clean up after their pets in public spaces.

Special Control Dogs:

Breeds such as pit bull terriers, bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, Rottweilers, and Fila Brasileiros are classified as “special control dogs.” These dogs must:

• Wear a muzzle.
• Be on a strong lead, held no more than 50 centimeters from the dog’s neck.

Dogs with a history of attacking or attempting to attack people must be reported to the relevant authorities and reclassified as special control dogs. Failure to do so will result in penalties under the Public Health Act, B.E. 2535.

Required Documents for Pet Registration:

1. Owner’s identification card.
2. House registration where the pet resides.
3. Letter of consent (if the registrant is a tenant).
4. Certificate (Form KSS. 1).
5. Vaccination certificate (if available).
6. Veterinary sterilization certificate (if applicable).
7. Power of attorney (if applicable).

Free Veterinary Services in Bangkok:

Pet owners can access free microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and sterilization services at the following veterinary clinics:

1. Veterinary Clinic Bangkok 1 – Si Phraya, Bang Rak District | Tel: 02-236-4055 ext. 213
2. Veterinary Clinic Bangkok 2 – Minburi, Minburi District | Tel: 02-914-5822
3. Veterinary Clinic Bangkok 3 – Wat That Thong, Watthana District | Tel: 02-392-9278
4. Veterinary Clinic Bangkok 4 – Bang Khen, Chatuchak District | Tel: 02-579-1342
5. Veterinary Clinic Bangkok 5 – Wat Hong Rattanaram, Bang Kho Laem District | Tel: 02-472-5895 ext. 109
6. Veterinary Clinic Bangkok 6 – Chuang Nuchnet, Chom Thong District | Tel: 02-476-6493 ext. 1104
7. Veterinary Clinic Bangkok 7 – Bang Khun Non, Bang Khun Non District | Tel: 02-411-2432
8. Rabies Control Group – Mitmaitri Road, Din Daeng District | Tel: 02-248-7417