Thailand's Royal Rescue Dogs Train for International Certification

Bangkok — Deputy Interior Minister Jeraset Thaiseth on Monday opened an intensive training programme for royal dogs MI6 and Natasha ahead of their assessment under the standards of the International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO). The training was held at Meeting Room 1 on the fifth floor of Building 3 at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). The event was attended by Gen Siwa Pharamorntat, a senior royal household official attached to Royal Household Bureau Unit 918, Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Atsit Samphantharat and DDPM Director-General Teerapat Katchamat, along with government officials and relevant personnel. Jeraset said the Interior Ministry had been coordinated with by Royal Household Bureau Unit 904 to support the participation of MI6 and Natasha in the IRO-standard rescue dog assessment at the Khao Yai Rescue Dog Training Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima from 6–12 October. The training is being supported by the DDPM, which is providing trainers and training equipment while working closely with the Foundation for Environment and Society, the organisation overseeing search-and-rescue dogs. The two dogs will undergo intensive preparation from 15 September to 8 October before taking the international assessment. Jeraset said the participation of MI6 and Natasha in the IRO assessment represented an important step in developing Thailand's search-and-rescue capabilities to international standards. He said the training would also prepare the dogs to work effectively alongside the Urban Search and Rescue Thailand (USAR Thailand) team in disaster response operations. The IRO is a leading international organisation responsible for assessing and certifying search-and-rescue dogs and their handlers. The Interior Ministry also expressed its appreciation for the continued support given to USAR Thailand by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. USAR Thailand is an INSARAG-certified Medium Urban Search and Rescue Team. The team has received royal support, including dog food and financial assistance for major rescue operations. Among the missions supported were the earthquake response in Türkiye and the collapse of the new State Audit Office building in Bangkok. The ministry said the royal support and encouragement had provided significant morale and honour to personnel involved in search-and-rescue operations.