BANGKOK — As dawn broke over a temporary shelter near the site of a colossal building collapse in Bangkok, a heavy atmosphere of despair lingered among families of the missing workers. These grief-stricken individuals gathered close to the debris, anxiously awaiting any news about their loved ones who had not been found.
However, for a fleeting moment, their somber faces transformed into smiles when a group of playful golden retrievers interrupted their vigil. These dogs, usually part of the ongoing search and rescue missions, took a brief respite to bring comfort to the waiting families.
Bangkok, located over 800 miles (1,287 kilometers) from the epicenter of a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that recently struck Myanmar, has reported 22 fatalities due to the disaster. Of these, 15 were found amidst the rubble of the collapsed building, while approximately 70 workers remain missing, as per Bangkok city officials.
Pornchai Chaodongbang, one of the many relatives present at the site, has been awaiting word of her missing brother since the collapse occurred on Sunday. Overcome with grief, she found solace in the unexpected appearance of Sahara, Safari, and Lek—search dogs from K9 USAR Thailand, a non-profit organization recognized for its partnership with the Thai government in disaster and relief operations.
These visits by the dogs momentarily lifted Pornchai’s spirits as they engaged with those awaiting word. “Seeing them made me feel a little better,” she expressed, grateful for the joy they brought.
The primary task of these dedicated canines is to scour the debris, using their keen sense of smell to locate trapped individuals. Yet, according to Alongkot Chukaew, the deputy director of K9 USAR Thailand, the dogs provide more than just search assistance. Through their comforting presence, they offer emotional support, drawing on insights from previous missions, notably after the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, where such interactions provided brief solace to victims amid devastation.
Chukaew recalled a memorable instance with Sahara during the Turkish rescue efforts, where the dog’s interactions uplifted the spirits of families of the victims, particularly the children. “In times of great adversity, these gestures of kindness can bring moments of joy and hope,” he noted.
To foster this small comfort, the organization selects gentle dogs for visits, providing a reassuring presence to the distraught families. “This gentleness of the dogs promises their unwavering support until every victim is accounted for,” Chukaew said.
Samran Khotchomphun, waiting since the collapse’s onset for her missing grandchildren, found brief peace during her encounter with the dogs on the search’s fifth day. Overwhelmed by emotion, she recounted, “I pleaded with the dogs, asking them to help locate my family. My remaining hope rests with them.”