On 30 June 2025, an eight-year-old boy was rescued in Uttaradit Province after being found living in isolation with dogs and displaying canine-like behavior, a situation linked to long-term neglect by his drug-addicted mother, according to Thai authorities.
The child, referred to as “A” for privacy, had never attended school and was reportedly raised in a home shared with six dogs, his 46-year-old mother, and his 23-year-old brother—all living in a drug-affected zone in Lap Lae District. Local residents said the boy communicated primarily through barking sounds and had little to no interaction with other children.
The case came to light when Sopon Siha-ampai, director of a local school, contacted child welfare authorities after learning the boy had never been enrolled, despite his mother having collected government education subsidies.
Following the report, the Paveena Foundation, led by child welfare advocate Paveena Hongsakul, coordinated with multiple agencies—including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and Lap Lae Police—to conduct a home visit on the morning of 30 June.
Authorities discovered the boy in a deteriorating stilt house. His mother and brother tested positive for drug use following urine tests administered by police and were subsequently charged with drug consumption. The child was removed from the home and placed in the care of Uttaradit Children’s Home for protection and rehabilitation.
Officials have since arranged for the boy to receive continuous education support. Dr. Thir Phawangkhanant of the Office of the Basic Education Commission and Dr. Trin Kandokmai from the Happiness and Safety Management Center are collaborating with the Paveena Foundation to oversee his recovery and integration into formal schooling.
