Thai Railways Launches Search For Disabled Cat Missing Eight Days
Thai State Railway is searching for Somchai, a disabled orange cat that disappeared from a train traveling between Yala and Bangkok on June 28-29, likely going missing near Chumphon province.
Thai State Railway is intensifying efforts to find Somchai, an orange cat with hind leg paralysis belonging to a passenger, which disappeared eight days after traveling on express train No. 170 (Yala-Bangkok Central Station). The cat went missing between the Yala station departure on June 28 at 4:30 p.m. and arrival at Bangkok Central Station on June 29 at 10:40 a.m.
Methaphat Sunthorvaraphats, director of Thai State Railway's public relations center, stated that the railway deeply sympathizes with the owner's feelings and has ordered all related units to conduct an all-out search while investigating all circumstances in detail.
Initial investigations revealed that the passenger originally booked a fan-cooled standard cabin on the second floor, but due to equipment failure, was moved to an air-conditioned sleeper cabin where pets are not permitted under regulations. Staff advised and facilitated placing the cat in the baggage compartment, where the passenger personally handed over the animal and periodically visited to provide food and water throughout the journey. The cat had limited mobility in both hind legs.
When the train approached Lam Sai station in Chumphon province, staff discovered the cat was no longer in the baggage compartment and immediately notified the passenger. A preliminary search of all baggage areas was conducted but yielded no results.
The railway has escalated search operations through multiple measures: • CCTV Review: Station staff from Lam Sai to Chumphon are reviewing security footage to identify leads • Ground Search: Engineering teams deployed light rail vehicles to conduct detailed searches of grassland and trackside areas • Community Network: Notices posted around stations with coordination from local leaders and government agencies to aid observation
The railway apologizes for the incident and commits to continuing the search comprehensively while gathering evidence and interviewing all relevant staff to improve future transport safety measures.
Anyone spotting a cat matching this description or having information from the Lam Sai to Chumphon area can contact the Customer Service Center at 1690 (24 hours) or contact the Thai State Railway PR Team Facebook page.
