Is It Safe to Go to a Dog Park in Bangkok?

Mistake #1: Underestimating Bangkok's Brutal Heat

We arrived around midday because I, in my infinite wisdom, thought, It's just a little sun, we'll be fine.

Zeus took off immediately, playing chase with another dog like he had just been let out of solitary confinement. He was having the time of his life—until he wasn't.

Fifteen minutes in, his tongue was practically dragging on the ground.

I called him over. He ignored me.

Then, suddenly, he stopped running.

His legs were shaky, his breathing was erratic, and he collapsed into the shade like he had just been hit by a tranquilizer dart.

Cue me, in full panic mode, pouring what little water I had left over his head while a very judgmental Pomeranian looked on.

Mistake #2: Not All Dogs (or Owners) Are Friendly

After Zeus recovered, I thought we could salvage the day—big mistake.

Enter: Unleashed Chaos Dog.

Some owners think their reactive, untrained, or territorial dogs magically become friendly once they enter a park. Spoiler alert: They don't.

I spotted this dog staring Zeus down from across the field. Stiff body. Tail high. Eyes locked.

I should have seen it coming.

Before I could react, the dog charged.

Zeus, who has the fight response of a soggy piece of toast, bolted.

And then the chase began.

Zeus ran, the other dog chased, and I was right behind them, yelling like a lunatic.

The other owner? Casually scrolling on their phone.

It took me five chaotic minutes to finally grab Zeus and drag him away.

Mistake #3: Forgetting Poop Bags = Instant Regret

After all the excitement, Zeus finally settled down.

Then, he squatted.

I reached for a poop bag.

There was nothing.

I checked my bag.
I checked my pockets.
I checked my soul.

Cue instant panic as I stood there, staring at Zeus' masterpiece, hoping no one was watching.

I had two options:

Own up to my mistake and go ask another dog owner for a bag.
Casually walk away and pretend it never happened.

I chose option one, which was marginally less humiliating than the alternative.

Mistake #4: Not Knowing Some Dog Parks Charge an Entry Fee

After everything, I was ready to leave.

But Zeus? He still had energy to burn.

So, I decided to take him to a different park nearby.

We arrived. We walked up to the gate. I was ready to let him loose.

And then—
"That'll be 150 baht."

Wait, what?

No one told me I had to pay to enter. I had zero cash on me.

So, instead of letting Zeus run free, I had to awkwardly turn around and leave while he looked at me like I had personally betrayed him.