Disabled Cat Search Enters Day 16 at Chumphon Station

CHUMPHON — The search for Si Som, a disabled cat that went missing during a train journey, entered its sixteenth day on 15 July as volunteers deployed thermal drones, infrared cameras, K-9 search dogs and other specialized equipment around Chumphon railway station in an effort to bring the cat home.

Donations from the public and Si Som's family have funded specialized search equipment, including a thermal imaging camera priced at 48,000 baht (reduced from 50,000 baht), a 3,500-baht inspection camera for confined spaces, and high-capacity backup batteries. An anonymous donor covered the entire cost of a thermal imaging drone at 272,365 baht, allowing deployment to accelerate.

The search operation now includes K-9 search dogs, a thermal imaging drone, infrared thermal cameras, snake inspection cameras for narrow spaces, ground search teams, multiple CCTV cameras, and humane cat traps.

Volunteers discovered fresh cat paw prints and rodent tracks near one of the station platforms, in an area close to potential food and water sources. Search dog Sandy detected only a faint scent beneath a nearby bridge, likely weakened by persistent rainfall. The search team has split into two groups: one using thermal imaging equipment beneath the bridge, and another inspecting the underside of railway platforms. Volunteers plan to install nine CCTV cameras covering both sides of the station platforms and place additional humane traps at key locations.

The Hope Thailand noted that the search area is extensive and complex. Heavy rain may have washed away scent traces, and cats are capable of crossing railway tracks and moving through narrow spaces beneath platforms. Volunteers continued searching throughout the night using infrared cameras, as night-time operations offer the best chance of locating the missing cat when frightened cats tend to become more active after dark.