8-Year-Old in Thailand Barks Instead of Speaking After Living with Dogs
THAILAND – An 8-year-old boy was found living in isolation with six dogs — and had learned to bark instead of speak — after being neglected by his mother. The heartbreaking story was reported by Khaosod English on June 30, 2025, and has sparked concern across the country.
The boy, known only as “A,” was rescued thanks to Paveena Hongsakul of the Foundation for Children and Women, after a school principal in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province, raised the alarm. The principal revealed that the child had never attended kindergarten. His mother once brought him to school to collect a government education allowance of 400 baht (around PHP 695), but she never officially enrolled him.
Authorities found that the boy was living in a relative’s house with his 46-year-old mother, his 23-year-old brother, and six dogs. According to School Director Sopon Siha-ampai, the mother would often leave the boy alone while she went to temples to beg for food and money.
Neighbors claimed they had stopped helping the family because the mother was allegedly involved in drug use. Many believed the home had become a drug den, and some parents even warned their children to stay away. With no one to talk to or play with, “A” spent all his time with the dogs — and began copying their behavior, even barking to communicate.
The boy’s mother and brother were later tested and found positive for drug use. Both are now facing legal charges.
Thankfully, the child is now safe at the Uttaradit Children’s Home. Paveena’s foundation is working with Thailand’s Basic Education Commission and social services to ensure he receives proper care, emotional support, and a chance to go to school. His progress will be closely monitored to help him recover and build a brighter future.
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