Owner Files Formal Complaint After Disabled Cat Missing From Train
A disabled cat went missing from a train traveling from Yala to Bangkok on June 29 after railway staff placed it in the luggage compartment against the owner's wishes. The owner has now filed a formal complaint with the State Railway of Tha
BANGKOK — On July 6, 2026, the owner of a disabled cat that vanished while travelling on a train from Yala to Bangkok formally requested that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) investigate the incident as the search entered its seventh day.
The owner, supported by animal welfare organization The Hope Thailand, submitted an official complaint to the SRT on Saturday, demanding a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of her disabled cat and updates on the ongoing search along railway tracks in Chumphon province.
According to the complaint and social media posts, Si Som disappeared while travelling on Train No. 170 from Yala to Bangkok on June 29.
The owner said she originally intended to book seats in a fan-cooled carriage where the cat could remain with her throughout the journey. However, she was told that carriage was fully booked and was instead assigned to an air-conditioned carriage where pets are not permitted. Railway staff instructed her to place the cat in the train's luggage compartment.
She requested permission to keep the disabled cat with her due to its condition, but the request was denied. She also declined to stay overnight in the luggage compartment because only male staff were present.
According to the owner, railway staff told her the luggage compartment door could not be fully closed and that the cat would be returned to her at approximately 6:30 a.m. the next morning. However, she noted inconsistencies in accounts from railway staff. According to the complaint, one shift reported the cat was last seen near Lamae station, while another said it was discovered missing at about 3 a.m. as the train approached Lang Suan station. She requested the railway review the timeline and determine exactly what happened.
The complaint also focused on the condition of the pet carrier, which was found with both zippers fully open. The owner said this was highly unusual and argued that the disabled cat could not have opened the carrier by itself.
The owner urged the railway to review its procedures for safeguarding checked baggage, noting that passengers pay a luggage handling fee. She called on the SRT to accept responsibility and establish clear measures to assist passengers in similar situations.
The complaint requested a thorough inspection of Train No. 170, including possible deployment of sniffer dogs to assist in the search. A police report has also been filed to formally document the case and facilitate any necessary legal proceedings.
On Monday, the owner and volunteers planned to travel to Chumphon province to search the approximately 31-kilometre stretch of railway between Lamae and Lang Suan stations, where Si Som is believed to have disappeared. Search teams prepared more than 500 leaflets and banners for the operation.
