Aum Patchara Insists Self-Funding Stray Dog Care Amid Charity Scandal
Thai actress Aum Patchara discusses her thriving AumAum market at Central Westgate, booked through next year, and her stray dog farm in Chachoengsao housing hundreds of rescued animals. Amid public scrutiny of animal welfare foundations, she emphasizes that her rescue efforts are entirely self-funded with no public donations accepted. She also shares personal updates on recent weight gain and her preparations for potential flooding in Bangkok.
When star actress Aum Patchara opened her AumAum market on the first floor of Central Westgate, she revealed the venture is so popular that bookings extend through next year. She also addressed the recent heavy rains and flooding in Bangkok. Known as a 'guardian angel' for stray dogs, Aum operates a farm in Chachoengsao sheltering hundreds of rescued dogs. Amid controversy surrounding animal welfare foundations facing audits and corruption allegations over donations, she commented on the issue.
Asked how long the market has been running, she laughed, saying she cannot remember and that it is booked until next year with two more events this December. Confirming the events are large-scale, she said they are profitable but the profit is secondary to the happiness she gets from the work. She admitted gaining four kilograms since the floods due to the large amount of food sent to her, but remains happy. She has started playing badminton three times a week and lost a little weight.
Regarding expansion to other provinces, she expressed interest but noted high transport costs for her extensive decorations and preferred vendors. She wants any provincial event to match the full scale of the Bangkok market. She currently has no provincial representatives but has bookings secured for several months ahead.
On flood preparations, she said she cannot row a boat well but has switched from a curved-hull boat to a flat-bottomed one for easier handling.
