The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced the implementation of a new city regulation for residents who own pets within its jurisdiction starting 10 January 2026.
Aimed at addressing the problem of stray animals in the city, the regulation requires all pet owners to register and microchip their dogs and cats.
All pet owners in Bangkok are required to register and microchip their cats and dogs starting next year
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According to the Thai-based publication Bangkok Post, the pets must be chipped within 120 days of birth or 30 days after ownership.
Moreover, the regulation also limits the number of pets a resident can own, depending on living space, as well as the possession of dangerous breeds such as pitbulls or Rottweilers.
While the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration only mention “pets” in its announcement, Thai-language media interpreted the term to mean dogs and cats.
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The city authority also warned that those who don’t follow the new regulation may face punishment, but specifics of the penalties weren’t given.
Bangkok Deputy City Governor Tavida Kamolvej asserted that the pet control regulation was approved last year and was announced in the Royal Gazette on 15 January 2025. It would take effect within 3560 days.
Among the details of the regulation are:
- For a living space of 20 to 80 square metres in an apartment or a condominium, only one pet is allowed
- For an 80 square metre or more apartment or condominium, two pets are permitted
- For a living space of up to 20 square wah of land, two pets are allowed
- For a living space of up to 50 square wah of land, up to three pets are allowed
- For a living space of up to 100 square wah of land, four pets are allowed
- For a living space of 100 square wah and more of land, not more than six pets are permitted
- Economic animals such as cows, horses, ducks and chickens can be kept only in designated areas
For context, a wah is a land measurement unit in Thailand, which is equal to 4 square metres.
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So, what do you guys think of Bangkok’s new regulation on pets? Do you think local councils in Malaysia should adopt a similar approach?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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