King’s dog Tongdaeng dies of old age

Tongdaeng (Copper) died peacefully while sleeping at Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin district, according to
a statement on Monday signed by Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine dean Apinun Suprasert. A dog who enjoyed a long life, the female pet had suffered illnesses such as problems with her nerves, bones, joints, as well as internal organ deterioration due to old age over the past 2-3 years, the statement said.
Tongdaeng was adopted as a stray five-week-old puppy by His Majesty after she was presented by a doctor during a clinic opening in December 1998. She was seen in palace photographs and in His Majesty’s New Year cards to the Thai public for several years.
A privately funded Thai animation film inspired by Tongdaeng’s story made its debut on December 3 and been shown at theatres nationwide.