BANGKOK (AP) – A makeshift shelter in Bangkok has become a focal point for grief-stricken families of workers who are still missing following a tragic building collapse. These families have gathered a short distance from the rubble, anxiously awaiting any updates on the fate of their loved ones.
On a day marked by despair, a brief moment of joy emerged as playful golden retrievers approached the families, bringing smiles amid the sorrow. These dogs are part of the K9 USAR Thailand rescue team, a non-profit organization dedicated to disaster response and humanitarian relief efforts in collaboration with the Thai government.
Bangkok is situated over 800 miles (1,287 kilometers) from the epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 29, 2025. Of the 22 reported deaths in Bangkok, 15 victims were discovered at the site of the collapsed high-rise, with approximately 70 workers still unaccounted for, according to local authorities.
Pornchai Chaodongbang has been at the site since the collapse, waiting for her brother. Overwhelmed with grief since she first heard the news, she described collapsing at the sight of the ruins. However, her spirits lifted slightly after interacting with the rescue dogs, stating, "I felt a little happier" when she saw them helping other rescue crews.
The retrievers' primary role is to navigate the debris, using their keen sense of smell to locate any survivors trapped underneath. According to Alongkot Chukaew, the deputy director of the K9 USAR team, these dogs also play a crucial role in providing emotional support to families affected by disasters. He recalled how one dog, Sahara, offered comfort during a previous mission in Turkey, helping families cope with heartbreak and loss during trying times.
Chukaew emphasized the importance of selecting gentle dogs to interact with the grieving relatives, believing their kindness can bring a sense of hope and companionship. "It's also like making a promise that they will be here with them until all the victims are found," he added.
Another family member, Samran Khotchomphun, has been searching for her missing grandson and granddaughter since the first day of the incident. Overwhelmed with emotion, she expressed her despair through tears until encountering the rescue dogs. On the fifth day of the search, the dogs provided her with a brief glimmer of hope. "I told the dogs, please help find them. My hope is hanging on you," she shared.
The presence of these rescue dogs not only assists in the physical search efforts but also offers emotional relief to those enduring prolonged uncertainty and grief. This dual role highlights the significant impact that trained therapy animals can have in disaster situations, bridging the gap between searching for lost loved ones and fostering comfort among the survivors.
