“I think it’s a great step, and it will encourage more interest in Thai breeds,” said Titipat Laohaprasertsiri, the president of the International Maew Boran Association (TIMBA), an organisation that seeks to promote Thai iconic species. Maew Boran means ancient cats in Thai.
“Thai cats are energetic, fun, curious and incredibly affectionate. Thai cats seem to love humans more than they love other cats. They’re very people-oriented. They really add warmth and joy to your daily life,” he said.
There are no publicly available figures on how many such cats there are in Thailand.
The decision to elevate these species is not just symbolic: It is meant to help conserve rare native breeds, standardise them and protect Thailand’s ownership of them. The species will also be used more in creative-economy and tourism branding, according to the government.
“I see it as a huge potential positive. Unfortunately, ‘breeds’ tend to hold more value and receive better welfare than animals without that status,” said Henna Pekko, the managing director of Rescue P.A.W.S. Thailand, a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation in Thailand.
“If cats are considered national treasures, it’s a good day for cat lovers,” added Karan Bhatia, the owner of Catsanova Cat Shelter & Playroom in Bangkok, a business that focuses on ethical cat adoption.
But like many involved in the wider cat industry, both have some caveats, noting that the longtime prestige of certain species contrasts with the reality faced by many cats in Thailand today.
Source: CNA
