Authorities in Thailand have rescued an eight-year-old boy found living with a pack of dogs and reportedly only able to communicate by barking.
The severely neglected child was discovered during a welfare check on Monday, living in a run-down house described as a drug den in Lap Lae district, in Thailand’s northern Uttaradit province. He was found with his 46-year-old mother and 23-year-old brother — both of whom reportedly tested positive for drugs.
Neighbours told local media they had long shunned the family, and the boy was not enrolled in school, leaving him with no company other than the six dogs he shared the home with.
Paveena Hongsakul, president of a local activist foundation who joined police in the rescue operation, said: “It was pitiful to see. He didn’t speak, he just barked.”
She added: “His mother hasn’t allowed him to go to school since she received a subsidy for free education. After getting the money, she simply kept him at home.”
A teacher familiar with the case said: “The house is in a red zone for drugs. The boy had no one, just the dogs to play with.”
The child is believed to have attended school only once, despite his mother receiving a government stipend of 400 baht (around £9) to support his education, according to Khaosod English.
The family's reputation in the community reportedly led neighbours to forbid their own children from playing with the boy. His mother is said to have frequently begged for food and money at local temples. Following the raid, she was reportedly charged with drug consumption.
According to local news outlet The Thaiger, the case was brought to authorities' attention by a headteacher named Sophon Sida-ampai, who contacted welfare agencies and the police.
Images shared by local media show officers arriving at the family’s woodland home, with several dogs nearby.
Social services have since stepped in to place the boy in care. Ms Hongsakul’s Foundation for Children and Women has pledged to ensure the child receives an education and long-term support.
She said: “The boy will be given a chance at a good life. We’ll follow up with him to make sure he gets everything he needs.”
