In the case of cats it probably isn't as much of a case of abandonment the way it is with dogs. Mostly the problem with cats in Thailand is that there is no sterilization program so cats just multiply until their numbers are too great for the area to sustain. Then they start becoming a nuisance to the humans and the humans will trap them, then move them far away to a temple on the other side of town. I have heard stories of people that have moved a cat many miles away from their property only to have it find its way back a few days later. They are very good at this.