CHUMPHON — 15 July 2026, the search for “Si Som”, a disabled cat that went missing during a train journey, entered its sixteenth day on 15 July as volunteers deployed thermal drones, infrared cameras, K-9 search dogs and other specialised equipment around Chumphon railway station in an effort to bring the cat home.
According to an update from the rescue page บ้านหลังสุดท้ายของน้องจรจัด (The Last Home of Stray Animals), donations from the public and Si Som’s family have been used to purchase specialised search equipment, including a thermal imaging camera, a snake inspection camera for confined spaces, high-capacity backup batteries and other field equipment.
The equipment was handed over to The Hope Thailand, whose team is leading the search operation in Chumphon.
The team initially purchased a thermal imaging camera, normally priced at around 50,000 baht, after the retailer reduced the price to 48,000 baht upon learning about the search effort. Volunteers also acquired a 3,500-baht inspection camera and backup batteries to keep surveillance cameras operating in areas without electricity.
Volunteers later launched a fundraising campaign to purchase a thermal drone, but an anonymous donor covered the entire cost of 272,365 baht, allowing the equipment to be deployed sooner than expected.
The search operation now includes:
• K-9 search dogs
• A thermal imaging drone
• Infrared thermal cameras
• Snake inspection cameras for narrow spaces
• Ground search teams
• Multiple CCTV cameras
• Humane cat traps
Fresh paw prints discovered
Petch from the rescue page บ้านหลังสุดท้ายของน้องจรจัด (The Last Home of Stray Animals) said volunteers found fresh cat paw prints and rodent tracks near one of the station platforms after arriving in Chumphon. The area is close to potential food and water sources and is scheduled for further searches during the night.
The Hope Thailand said night-time operations offer the best chance of locating the missing cat because the surroundings are quieter and frightened cats tend to become more active after dark.
Sandy, a K-9 search dog assisting the operation, searched beneath a nearby bridge but detected only a faint scent, which volunteers believe was likely weakened by persistent rainfall.
The search team has since split into two groups: one using thermal imaging equipment beneath the bridge, and another inspecting the underside of the railway platforms. Volunteers also plan to install a total of nine CCTV cameras covering both sides of the station platforms and place additional humane traps at key locations.
The Hope Thailand added that the search area is extensive and complex. Even though Sandy could not establish a strong scent trail, that does not necessarily mean Si Som has left the area, as heavy rain may have washed away scent traces. Cats are also capable of crossing railway tracks and moving through narrow spaces beneath platforms.
Volunteers continued searching quietly throughout the night using infrared cameras, which are most effective after dark because they detect body heat.
Volunteers urge public not to enter railway tracks
The Hope Thailand stressed that every search beneath the platforms has been carried out with permission from the State Railway of Thailand and only after confirming train schedules to ensure safety.
The page also urged members of the public not to enter railway tracks on their own, warning that doing so could be both illegal and dangerous while potentially disrupting the ongoing search operation.
Search driven by public support
Much of the equipment and operational costs have been funded through donations from members of the public, supporters and volunteer organisations, including thermal cameras, drones, CCTV systems, inspection cameras and other field equipment.
Meanwhile, some social media users have called on the State Railway of Thailand to play a greater role in supporting the search operation, arguing that most of the specialised equipment and funding used so far have come from volunteers, donors and members of the public. As of publication, the SRT had not publicly responded to those calls or announced any additional support for the operation.
