A Huay Yai homeowner has opened the gates of her large home to victims of Bangkok’s flood crisis.
Jongkolnee Jankhet, 47, fled to her Huay Yai residence after her primary house in Bangkok’s Rangsit neighborhood was flooded in mid-October. Realizing government and charity shelters will not take evacuees with pets, she decided throw open the gates of her 3-rai estate to animal lovers in need.
Eight families – 25 people and 120 pets – responded to her ad on a Thai Internet message board. They’re now staying on the first floor of two houses and in an outside sala. Jongkolnee said she is offering them refuge for free.
Families with pets driven out of their homes in Bangkok now have a place to stay in Rayong.
One of those taking refuge is 67-year-old Wirat Taengngam, his wife and 12 dogs. Water in their Rangsit home was chest deep and he’d planned to rent an apartment in Pattaya, but couldn’t find any that accepted pets. He thanked Jongkolnee for generosity that helped him keep his “family” together.
Jongkolnee said she has another 4-rai orchard not far from the house and is offering that property to flood victims with pets as well. Forty-three animals are now roaming the property. Khemlek Co. donated a fence for the land to keep the dogs in. Two other animal-rescue groups also plan to use the orchard to house pets dropped off with them by flood victims.
Those willing to donate dog food can contact 089-025-4508. Jongkolnee said she does want flood victims to retrieve their pets once the crisis has passed, but pledged that if animals are abandoned, she’ll try to find permanent homes for them.
