Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's call for flood-hit people to evacuate to safety without delay, rather than remain behind out of concern for their pets, has drawn criticism from animal lovers.
Anutin made the remarks while visiting flooded areas in Nakhon Sawan recently, where he urged people to follow evacuation orders when authorities deem it necessary. He said they should prioritise their own safety, adding that delays could make it more difficult to evacuate children, vulnerable people, bedridden patients and pets.
Anutin said evacuation centres already contain large numbers of people, and pets could make noise or leave unpleasant smells, which might disturb others.
He said that while pet owners might find their animals cute and lovable, other people might not feel the same way, noting that relevant agencies would do as much as possible to take care of their pets.
His remarks prompted criticism from many people, who said pets are family members and that people should not be forced to choose between their own safety and the safety of their animals.
Some called on the government to prepare separate areas for pets at evacuation centres so people can evacuate with their animals without disturbing other evacuees.
Actress Ploy Chermarn commented that pets are living beings too, questioning how anyone could be so heartless and cruel.
Ploi Horwang, also an actress, said some people regard their pets as their children and members of their families.
Another actress, Chalita Suansan, posted a brief comment expressing her disbelief, while Fonthip Watcharatrakul said pets are living beings that cannot take care of themselves, questioning how anyone could be so heartless.
Lalida Persvivatana, deputy government spokesperson, later defended the prime minister's remarks, saying they should not be interpreted as telling people to abandon their pets.
Anutin's intention was to urge people not to delay evacuation until floodwaters became too high for them and their pets to be moved safely, she said.
The government will also consider providing designated areas for pets at evacuation centres, she said.
Anutin later declined to comment on the controversy, describing it as a “drama.”
