Rescued three-year-old boy transferred to PICU

PHUKET: The three-year-old boy who was found after going missing for six days, has been transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Vachira Phuket Hospital, confirmed hospital staff.

Nong DJ was rescued yesterday from a shallow waterway about three kilometers away from his home (video report here).

“Nong DJ is now in the PICU due to a stomach and blood infection,” said Jessada Chungpaibulpatana, director of Vachira Phuket Hospital. “At this stage, his stomach is bleeding due to the length of time he went without food or water. The minerals in his body are imbalanced and he is currently on a ventilator to assist with breathing.”

Due to being exposed to the elements for days, Nong DJ’s legs suffered damage from being submerged in water for a long period of time, Dr Jessada said. He has since used two units of A-postive blood during his recovery.

“There is enough blood for Nong DJ right now. However, type A blood is still very limited. Therefore, we are requesting donations,” Ampai Saengwichitr, a Vachira Phuket Hospital medical technician told the Phuket Gazette.

Nonetheless, doctors expect Nong DJ to make a full recovery.

The boy’s mother, Saowalak Chaiyo, has yet to speak publicly about the rescue of her son.

“I am not ready to answer any questions from the media right now. I just want to keep making merit at the temple for three days, praying that my son gets better,” Ms Saowalak said.

Meanwhile, police will continue with their investigation into the boy’s disappearance.

“We’ve come up with two scenarios,” said Wichit Police Superintendent Kittipong Klaikaew. “Either Nong DJ wandered off by himself into the forest, or he was taken there by someone close to the family.”

Officers will wait to question the boy until he is fully recovered.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong