By: RJ Fisher Last update: October 2022
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People around me know that I don’t get along with dogs. Or better yet, dogs don’t get along with me. It’s not their fault, it has to do with a near death experience as a kid that involved a big rottweiler. From that moment on things went sour between us and our relationship never recovered.
Don’t get me wrong, I do like dogs, well kind of. I just have major trust issues with them. Ever since the rottweiler incident I live in fear. Dogs instinctively feel that they can easily intimidate me and I guess that’s why they keep doing exactly that. Especially this one Thai dog…
The restaurant
Some say there is nothing like the Thai street food stalls. They are literally everywhere and they offer simple, delicious and authentic local food for insanely low prices.
Normally, I’m the first to agree, but after 6 months of travel in South East Asia the rice and noodle diet kinda lost its appeal and I craved Western food. Above all, I was looking forward to having a meal while seated on a real chair instead of a tiny plastic stool that is actually meant for children.
Fortunately, Thailand is very much adapted to tourists and in most of the cities Western restaurants are abundant. Unfortunately, the city of Loei in the North of Central Thailand is not one of those cities.
It took some effort, but we did find a Western restaurant. With the promise of steak, schnitzel, pizza and German beers we set off to Restaurant “Mr. Chris” in the center of town. All signs were green for an old fashioned feeding frenzy, if not for the presence of the house dog.
Thai dog
We are seated outside on the covered patio as I see the dog from the corner of my eye.
Not a typical Thai dog, but an enormous Siberian Husky with sinister blue eyes that looked right through me. He opens his jaws for a lazy yawn to reveal a gigantic pair of sharp and yellow fangs. We are the only guests in the patio area and the servers are inside.
He sees me. He gives me a long evil stare and a low soft growl and then disappears under our table. I don’t like it at all, he’s sniffing our feet to check us out and I can’t see him. A drop of sweat trickles down my back, it must be because it’s so hot in here.
Who’s the boss?
Apparently, for the time being he decided we’re ok and jumps on a small bench at the table right next to us where he lies down with his head resting on his giant front paws. His sinister eyes are still on us though. Marjolein senses my unease and suggests to relocate to another restaurant. My inner voice is screaming YES, but my pride and appetite prevent me from giving in.
One of the servers doesn’t agree with the dog lying on the bench and tells him to get down from it. The dog lifts its head, stares at the server intensely and starts the soft low growl we heard before. He is not moving. The server repeats her command and pushes the dog lightly in an attempt to get it to move. More intense staring with those piercing eyes, a slight curl of the lips and continued low growling. Clearly he has no intention to move.
It’s painfully obvious that the server has no idea how to proceed. Somehow she knows the dog has the upper hand and she shouldn’t defy him any longer. With a nervous giggle she backs off and walks away. Now we all know who’s the boss in this restaurant.
A few minutes later the exact same ritual repeats with another member of the restaurant staff. My mind starts to wander and I imagine about what would happen if this Thai dog would go crazy right now. How it would attack me and rip my body to shreds with those monstrous yellow fangs. No one would be able to call off the dog, no matter how hard they tried, they have no control. I feel nauseous.
Threatening Thai dog
We just finished our dinner and ordered some coffee as suddenly the dog is next to Marjolein. He is staring right at her with that same penetrating gaze. Then he pushes his head on her hand. Marjolein talks to him, but she doesn’t pet him. Now he starts pushing harder and more demanding. Then he hits her with his paw on her leg. Not gently, but fierce and repeatedly. When Marjolein doesn’t give in he jumps on the chair next to her and hits her again with force, but this time on her arm and shoulder.
I remember thinking that this must have been very intimidating for Marjolein since they are at eye level now and his jaws are as close as 30 centimeters from her face. Mind you, this dog is huge!
His constant hitting is painful and forces Marjolein to stand up. Immediately the dog takes her place so now he’s on the chair right next to me and he’s looking me straight in the eye. I feel his breath on my face. All this time the dog is unnaturally calm, he’s not growling at this time, just that continuous sinister stare. There’s not a hint of playfulness, only threat and dominance.
Rescue from the Thai dog
My mind is racing, what can I do? I am frantically trying to come up with ideas to prevent him from ferociously ripping out my throat as I am sure is due any time now. Maybe I should just give in and let him eat me, I’m no match for this savage beast.
Finally, the servers see our predicament and the bravest one comes to our rescue. With lot’s of ceremony and careful gestures he is able to get the dog to come inside with him. We paid our check and left.
The following night we had a delicious meal at one of the street food stalls that are everywhere in Thailand. They served delicious and authentic local food. We sat on those plastic stools. You know, the tiny ones that are actually meant for children.
Accidents can happen and also when you’re vacationing in Thailand. Outside of Bangkok, healthcare in Thailand is hopelessly underdeveloped. Any serious ailment or injury will almost certainly require costly medical transport to Bangkok, payable upfront if you lack proper insurance. Better have that rich uncle on speed dial.
Make sure you have the right travel insurance. One that covers medical costs abroad, evacuation, repatriation and adventurous activities. Read more about travel insurance or get an instant non-committal quote.
Did you ever get into trouble with a Thai dog or any other animal on your travels? Let us know in the comments below. That should make for some interesting stories.
Safe travels,
RJ
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