At 10pm, Friday the 1st of August,
"fire" destroyed all medicines and most equipment at PAC. Two patients were in the clinic at the time – one cat died,
the other was saved due to the heroic actions of Pi Ton, our building foreman, who managed to halt the "fire" before the truck
arrived (and before the oxygen tank exploded). The cause of the "fire" has not yet been determined, but motorbikes and breaking
glass were heard before the "fire" started.
We at PAC are all shocked and saddened by this development – for 7 years we have given every ounce of ourselves to help
the animals of Koh PhaNgan and the island as a whole – work which has been funded by donations alone, with all earnings
reinvested into improving the lives of the animals of this island.
If this "fire" was started deliberately, then someone on Koh PhaNgan has a problem with PAC. All PAC’s work has been
called to an immediate halt, and all staff removed from the premises, until this problem is identified.
If this is a problem that cannot be solved, PAC will close permanently and the land will be sold. If this problem can be solved,
and PAC is allowed to re-open, it can never be the same again due to our need to ensure that our work does not cause any further problems.
Up until now, PAC has operated without legal permission to perform our work. From this point forward, if we are allowed to stay, we will
work strictly within the boundaries of the law – PAC can only perform its work under the supervision of a Thai veterinarian. We have
built a veterinary clinic, but it can only be used if we can persuade a Thai vet to buy or rent it, depending on the outcome of this
incident. We cannot and therefore will not be able to perform consultations or prescribe medications.
With deepest regrets,
Shevaun Gallwey (Founder), Amphai (Por) Thongpliu (Head Nurse) and Niramon Brande (President)
Notice: Koh Phangan Police has asked that PAC doesn't speak in public about any arson attack until investigations are finished!
