Officials from Thap Lan National Park deployed a thermal imaging drone to assist in searching for a male Pitbull weighing approximately 75 kilograms that escaped from a durian orchard in Nakhon Ratchasima. There are concerns the dog might become stressed and pose a danger to local residents.
Reporters noted that on the evening of 21 June 2026, Thap Lan National Park supported the rapid response team monitoring and driving wild elephants in Khon Buri District, along with a thermal imaging drone, to search for a male mixed-breed Pitbull named "Jao To." The dog had escaped from the durian orchard of "Uncle Piak," located about one kilometer from Nong Hin Khon village, Sarawanpraya Subdistrict, Khon Buri District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The escape happened on the evening of 19 June 2026 when durian workers left the orchard gate open after finishing their work. Eleven dogs, including Thai breeds, ran out, but all the Thai breed dogs returned except for Jao To. The orchard owner searched almost all night without success.
The next morning, the village headman and community leaders were informed to help search and spread information via loudspeakers and various online media. They then coordinated with Thap Lan National Park to use a thermal imaging drone for the search, fearing that Jao To might cause trouble for others and out of concern for the dog, regarded as a family member.
Officials flew the thermal imaging drone to scan areas where sightings of Jao To had been reported, from early evening until about 11 p.m., covering nearby areas and extending beyond the subdistrict. However, no sign of the dog was found. The family of Uncle Piak’s durian orchard remained worried, both for their pet and the safety of local residents, even though they stated that the dog is playful and has never attacked or bitten anyone before.
Jao To is a male mixed-breed Pitbull, brown in color, approximately 10-80 centimeters tall, weighing about 75 kilograms, and about two years old.
Mr. Praphat Wannapong, 61, the owner of Jao To, said the dog escaped because the durian harvesting team, contracted to pick durians, left the gate open after finishing their work. This allowed all 11 dogs, including Jao To, to exit the orchard. The Thai breed dogs returned on their own, but Jao To did not. Previously, Jao To was never allowed out of the orchard because he is large, and they feared he might harm local farmers. The orchard is fenced on all sides as a precaution, knowing the need for special care with this breed. After Jao To went missing, they informed the community leaders and searched continuously, worried he might be harmed, stressed, or cause harm to others. They have tried every possible method to find Jao To and bring him home quickly.
Anyone who spots Jao To can contact the owner at 065-2900712, or the subdistrict headman, Prayun Thongbon, at 082-5171231, or the village headman, Adul, at 084-4774125, anytime. A reward will be given for information that leads to finding Jao To.