Why did you start doing this?
I’m really scared of electricity. I don’t even dare to change a light bulb. But I almost lost my beloved dachshund as it loved to chase rats. Once I finally found him, I decided to put the light from my sons’ toy on his collar. That way it would be easier to find him next time. Later, I took him for a walk, my neighbors saw him and smiled. So I thought it would be great if I could use my animals to make people feel better. So I started taking my pets around town. I also send messages to cheer people up over current affairs like our political crisis, the ferry accident in South Korea or the earthquake in Chiang Rai.
Where do you usually go?
I’ve been to many places, from the streets to public hospitals like Chulalongkorn or Siriraj to entertain the doctors, nurses and patients. My wife died from a misdiagnosis; she had a heart problem but she was given stomach ulcer medication. I think it may be that doctors in public hospitals are stressed out from having too many patients. I can help them to relax so that they can best help other patients. I also love to go to disaster areas to cheer people up, like Bang Plee Old Market, which burned down in a big fire. I really wanted to go to Chiang Rai to help the earthquake victims, too, but I didn’t have enough money.
Do you have a day job?
I used to run a small restaurant in Soi Wat Yai Srisuphan on the Thonburi side but I closed it and turned it into a small grocery store. My sisters mostly take care of it.
How many pets do you have?
I have 12 animals. There are five dogs, two cats, three ducks, one chicken and one frog named Yaya. Most of them I saved from the street. I love pets and I can’t stand it if they’re in danger. Everyone needs help when they’re in trouble, including animals.
Do you ever get any objections from people?
There was a foreigner once who asked the police to arrest me as he thought that I tortured my pets. I tried to explain to him until eventually I just gave up. I’ve been doing this for 20 years. I’ve seen people cry but then feel better after seeing my pets. I would quit if people hated it but there are more people who love it so I just keep doing it. I’ve started adding more tricks by using fake remote controls and pretending to control my pets. One guy once walked into a pole as he tried to work out whether my pets were real or not.
What’s next for you?
I’ll make helmets with lights for babies to protect them from being left in the car. I also want to encourage people to have pets as they really can help you feel happier.
You can contact Loong Yim on 086-559-6635.
