UTTARADIT — A heartbreaking case has emerged highlighting Thailand’s drug addiction crisis after an 8-year-old boy was found living with dogs and communicating through barking sounds due to his mother’s drug addiction and neglect.
The Foundation for Children and Women, led by Paveena Hongsakul, coordinated with authorities to rescue the child after a school principal in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province reported the disturbing situation.
Years of Educational Neglect
The boy, identified as “A” (pseudonym), never attended kindergarten but once visited the school with his mother when he reached Grade 1 age. His mother collected approximately 400 baht in government education support funds but never enrolled him in classes.
Investigations revealed the child lived in his maternal relative’s house in a drug-infested “red zone” area with three people: his 46-year-old mother, 23-year-old brother, and six dogs. School Director Sopon Siha-ampai recently visited the home and learned from neighbors that the mother regularly begged for money and food from the temple when rejected by residents.
Neighbors grew tired of the mother’s behavior and prevented their children from interacting with the family. With no human playmates, the boy bonded with the dogs and began mimicking their behavior, including barking sounds for communication.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation
After learning of the situation, Paveena coordinated with multiple agencies including Police Lieutenant Colonel Charoen Daengruang from Lap Lae Police Station, Education Ministry officials, and Social Development and Human Security Ministry personnel. The joint team visited the home on the morning of June 30 to provide immediate assistance.
Lap Lae police conducted urine tests on both the mother and older brother, confirming drug use in both individuals. They were charged with drug consumption, while social workers placed the 8-year-old boy under protective care at Uttaradit Children’s Home.
Paveena has coordinated with Dr. Thir Phawangkhanant, Deputy Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission, and Dr. Trin Kandokmai, Director of the Happiness and Safety Management Center, to ensure the boy receives continuous education. The Paveena Foundation will monitor his progress alongside the Social Development and Education ministries.
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