Family of lost-and-found 3-year-old might lose him again [video]

PHUKET: The three-year-old who was found in the jungles of Phuket after having gone missing for six days was released from hospital on Monday. He is now in the care of the Phuket Shelter for Children and Families while a committee considers whether or not his family is capable of raising him.

Jetsadakron Chaiyo, nicknamed Nong DJ, went missing from his family home in Wichit. Rescue workers found Nong DJ about three kilometers from his home.

“We found him at about 11:40am lying in a shallow waterway, covered by leaves. We lifted him up, covered him with dry clothes and immediately radioed to our team below to inform his mother,” said Pattarawut Akanittakron, a member of the Kusoldham rescue team (story here).

Nong DJ was rushed to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The mystery surrounding the boy’s disappearance remains, Wichit Police Superintendent Kittipong Klaikaew told the Phuket Gazette. However, police suspect the theory that he had wandered to the location alone is unlikely.

“At this stage, we believe he must have been taken to the woods by someone,” Col Kittipong said. “We have questioned a lot of people who we believe are connected to this case, but still we have no clear leads. We have questioned Nong DJ. However, his answers change and are confused.”

The child reportedly told police that he had gone out to eat noodles with his grandmother. He then changed the story to having gone out with his grandfather, which was further changed to having been out with his mother instead. The latest rendition of the story though places him with Bak Jo, his dog.

“Given the amount of influence family members could have over his story, it is best that he stays at the shelter during the investigation,” said Col Kittipong. “Running parallel to the investigation there is a multidisciplinary team determining who is most suitable to raise the child.”

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The Gazette attempted to contact Saowalak Chaiyo, Nong DJ’s mother, but she did not answer the call.

— Kongleaphy Keam