The State Railway of Thailand is intensifying a comprehensive search. "Si Om" A 6-year-old disabled cat, belonging to a passenger, went missing during the journey. The railway authority emphasizes its importance and is conducting a close fact-finding investigation.
Following a case where a Facebook user posted a message seeking "Si Om" a 6-year-old disabled cat mysteriously disappeared after she boarded train No. 170 from Yala to Bangkok on 28 June 2026.
She stated that whenever she traveled, she would buy a ticket for the fan-cooled sleeper carriage to keep her cat with her, placing the cat in a zippered bag; if they had to sleep separately, she would use a metal cage. On that day, when she went to buy the cat's ticket at the counter, the staff informed her the sleeper carriage was out of order, so she had to switch to the air-conditioned carriage, and the cat had to be placed in the staff or luggage compartment. When the train departed, staff took her to retrieve the cat from the luggage compartment, but she found the cat missing the next morning. She was very worried because the cat has disabilities in both hind legs. After this story spread, many people commented, shared photos to help find the cat, and called on the State Railway to coordinate the search.
On 7 July 2026, Mr. Methaphat Sunthornwaraphas, Director of the Public Relations Center of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), provided an update on the missing pet cat case aboard train No. 170 (Yala – Bangkok Central Station). He said the SRT is deeply concerned and understands the owner's feelings, having instructed all relevant departments to mobilize full search efforts and carefully review the entire sequence of events.
Preliminary investigation found the passenger traveled with the pet, initially intending to ride the second-class fan-cooled carriage. However, that day the fan sleeper carriage was out of order and changed to second-class air-conditioned sleeper, where pets are not allowed by regulation. Staff advised and assisted the passenger to place the pet in the luggage compartment, with the passenger personally handing over the cat and regularly checking and providing food and water during the journey. The pet is a cat with limited movement in both hind legs.
As the train approached Lamae Station in Chumphon Province, train staff noticed the pet was missing from the luggage compartment. They immediately informed the passenger and began an initial search throughout the luggage compartment but did not find the cat.
Currently, the State Railway has escalated the search efforts through the following measures:
The State Railway apologizes for the incident and assures it will continue the search to the fullest extent, collect evidence, and investigate all involved staff on the train to improve safety and transport care measures.
Anyone who sees a cat matching this description or has information in the area between Lamae and Chumphon stations can contact the Customer Service Center at 1690 (24 hours) or via the State Railway of Thailand PR Team Facebook page.
Information provided by the State Railway of Thailand PR Team Facebook page.