Our Story

In the breath-taking foothills of Khao Yai National Park, an area famed for its temples, waterfalls and elephants, lies a plot of land called The Farm, an oasis of mango groves, lush rice paddies and bamboo forests. Our founder, Pim, named it ‘Bon Jardin’ after her beloved dog Bonnie, but it soon became lovingly known as  “The Farm”. 

Before the crops even began to sprout, a curious local street dog wondered over to investigate the new activity. Pim named him Paman and welcomed him onto her land. As the first mangoes started to ripen one stray became ten. By the time the earliest crops were ready to harvest, dozens of street dogs had made themselves at home amongst the lush greenery of The Farm, happy to have found a safe place to rest, eat and shelter from the blazing heat.  

Pim’s farm was reborn as a dog sanctuary and Jai Dog Rescue took its first steps. With our roots firmly planted in Thailand, Pim knew the charity would need to do more to raise awareness of the stray dog problem in Thailand. The dogs that made themselves at home on The Farm were just the lucky few, thousands of animals still roamed the streets in this area alone, many of whom were struggling to survive. 

Fortunately, she knew there was someone in the UK who would be eager to help. Before she founded The Farm, Pim had moved to London to learn English, where she met James. Within minutes of their first meeting, they bonded over their shared love of animals and were soon exchanging stories of their beloved dogs. When James heard about The Farm and the incredible venture Pim was establishing, he was determined to lend his support. His conviction that was solidified when he visited Thailand and saw for himself both the problem and the opportunity to help. 

Throughout these early months, James was in the process of setting up a nightclub, Ministry of Sound. As with many new businesses, nightclubs in particular, the first few years were hard, but Pim’s calm support based on the teachings of Buddhism helped James through the late nights and constant worry. 

As Ministry of Sound became known worldwide, Pim bought further plots of land in Nakhon Nayok, expanding the dog sanctuary, building houses and vital infrastructure. It became clear to both Pim and James that they had a real opportunity to help make a real, lasting impact: and so, the charity was formally established, and plans put in place to take their rescue work to the next level. 

Meanwhile back in London, Mike (pictured here) was working in the Ministry of Sound IT department and as a part-time DJ. He loved animals, but his life took a new turn on a DJing trip to Koh Phangan in 2015. 

Early one morning Mike was walking on the beach when he met Suzie the dog and instantly fell in love. Suzie had lost one eye in a dog fight and had cataracts in the other. She was weak and hungry, and it was evident she would never survive blind on the beach. Mike brought her home to live with him in London. 

Upon hearing this story, Pim and James knew Mike was the perfect person to help drive the charity forward. Inspired by their shared experience with Thai street dogs, James, Pim and Mike wanted to do something to make a difference. After all, there were already dogs being cared for on the farm; could they build on their experience to create a base from which to operate a wide-reaching mission? As well as a sanctuary for stray and injured dogs, they envisaged life-saving rescue campaigns, vaccination programmes, and sterilisation clinics across the country. Mike packed his bags and moved to Thailand. Jai Dog Rescue was unleashed. 

The first two years were spent setting up the charity; hiring staff, building kennels, understanding local customs, reaching out to government officials, learning about the dog population, sterilisation & vaccination, and establishing relationships with the Temples around which so much of life in Thailand revolves. In just a few short years, we’ve come a long way… 

We have now successfully sterilised over 2,375 animals in 2022 alone, rescuing and rehoming countless others. What’s more, our shelter has gone from strength to strength as we’ve built and developed world-class facilities. From our dedicated dog play park to our on-site quarantine and clinic, we’re committed to providing sanctuary for Thailand’s strays in the best way we possibly can. And now, in partnership with UK animal charity Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, we have embarked upon a 5 year programme to sterilise and vaccinate the 80,000 street dogs in our province. 

The Jai Dog Rescue you see today has been on an incredible journey. From that early idea inspired by true compassion (and Paman of course!), through the years of determination in the face of a growing and harrowing problem, to the charity you see today. We are proud of how far we’ve come. 

Our work is far from over. Hundreds of thousands of strays suffer daily from the reality of life on the streets: fights, malnutrition, disease, accidents and abuse. Millions more will be born into this heart-breaking life cycle in just a few short months. Many of them won’t live to tell their tale. We work hard to make a difference. Can you help us? 

We have made a promise to the street dogs of Thailand: they can rely on us. We are utterly determined to stand the test of time, and remain committed to our mission to transform lives until this problem is solved.

With the help of our supporters, we’re working hard to do more, be better, make a bigger difference. Our story is only just beginning but we’ll do whatever it takes to bring about a happy ending for the strays who are relying on our help.

Will you join us?