Boy, 8, Found in Thai Forest, Believed Raised by Dogs

An eight-year-old boy has been found in a forest in northern Thailand, apparently raised by dogs. As reported by authorities in Uttaradit province, the animals helped the child survive for years.

During this entire time, he lived in a dilapidated hut with his mother, who always left him alone; the mother suffered from a severe form of drug addiction and spent her days begging in temples. After reports from local residents, a charity organization for the protection of children and adolescents took an interest in the boy.

The head of the organization, Pavina Hongsakul, contacted the police, and at the end of June, the hut in the forest was raided. The boy was found among six dogs.

According to local residents, no one wanted other children to even approach the boy. As a result, he grew closer and closer to the dogs and imitated their behavior. At the time of his rescue, according to eyewitnesses, he behaved like a dog, barking and moving on all fours. "He didn't speak, he just barked. It was a terrible sight," confirmed Pavina Hongsakul. The boy has now been moved to a local orphanage. Thai authorities officially refer to him only as "A".