Eight-Year-Old Boy Found Living Among Dogs, Communicating by Barking in Thailand
An eight-year-old boy has been rescued in Thailand after authorities found him living in squalid conditions among dogs and was only able to communicate by barking.
The child, whose identity remains undisclosed, was discovered on Monday during a welfare check at a dilapidated, drug-ridden home in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province, according to the Daily Mail.
Local authorities reported that the boy had been living with his 46-year-old mother and 23-year-old brother, both of whom tested positive for drug use following a police raid.
Neighbors said the family had been reclusive for years, with the boy having no interaction with other children. Instead, he spent most of his time with the family’s six dogs, which he was reportedly seen imitating.“He didn’t speak—he only barked. It was heartbreaking to witness,” said Paveena Hongsakul, president of the activist foundation that collaborated with police on the rescue effort.
Authorities revealed that the young boy had attended school only once, despite his mother receiving government education subsidies of about 400 baht (£9).
“After receiving the education grant, his mother refused to let him return to school,” Hongsakul explained. “She kept him at home and never used the funds for their intended purpose.”
Neighbors allegedly prohibited their children from playing with the young boy because of concerns about his family’s behavior.
The boy’s mother, reportedly known in the community for begging at temples, has since been charged with drug use.
A local teacher described the child’s living conditions as a “drug red zone” and confirmed that parents in the area deliberately kept their children away from him.
The boy has been taken into protective care and will now be able to attend school with the support of an activist group, according to Daily Mail.
“One teacher explained, ‘The house is located in a red zone for drug activity. The boy had no one—only the dogs to play with.’”
The troubling case came to light after a headteacher raised concerns, prompting a joint operation by activists and police to raid the property on June 30.
Photos shared in Thai media showed officials at the makeshift home, surrounded by dense trees and several dogs.
The child has since been relocated to a children’s shelter, where he will receive medical attention and psychological support.
Ms. Hongsakul, from the Foundation for Children and Women, will collaborate with authorities to ensure the child continues his education, while her organization will oversee and support his ongoing development.
“The boy will be given the opportunity for a better life. We’ll continue to monitor his progress to ensure he receives the care he needs,” she said.
While cases of so-called “feral children”—those raised with little to no human contact—are extremely rare, they often underscore the devastating impact of severe neglect.
One well-known example is Oxana Malaya, a Ukrainian girl discovered in 1991 living among dogs after being abandoned by her parents. Although she eventually learned to speak and rejoin society, she faced ongoing developmental challenges.
Authorities in Thailand say they are dedicated to helping the rescued boy begin a new chapter and live a normal, healthy life.
