Health ministry finds rats, starts anti-rodent campaign

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Health officials in Thailand have launched a national campaign against rats — starting with their own offices.

In the past few days, nearly 50 rats were caught inside the Health Ministry compound in Bangkok, prompting Friday’s announcement of a national anti-rodent campaign.

The infestation of the ministry responsible for promoting health and hygiene shows just how pervasive Thailand’s rat problem has become, Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup said in a statement.

The ministry has instructed more than 10,000 health offices, including hospitals and public clinics, to follow its lead and start eradicating rats by setting out traps and practicing better hygiene.