ฺBoy, 12, left alone in crumbling home after grandfather’s death

2026-03-08 - 05:13

NAKHON SAWAN — 8 March 2026, A 12-year-old boy with special needs has been living alone in a dilapidated house in central Thailand following the death of the grandfather who had raised him, prompting concern and offers of help after his story spread online. Reporters who visited the house in Ban Khao Tham Phra village, Moo 8, Noen Sala subdistrict of Krok Phra district, found the boy, identified as Akkaraphol Chamnankasikon, known as “Nice”, living by himself in the ageing wooden home. Nice, a fifth-grade student at Khao Tham Phra School, had been raised by his grandfather, who served as the family’s sole caregiver. The grandfather fell ill and died in early January, leaving the boy alone. According to relatives, Nice’s father had previously died, while his mother separated from the family and started a new household when he was just one year old. As a result, he grew up solely under the care of his grandfather. The house where he now lives alone is in severely deteriorated condition. One of the rear support pillars is visibly leaning forward, while the corrugated metal roof has multiple leaks. Local residents fear the structure could collapse during strong winds or storms. Nice said he wakes up at 06:00 each day to wash clothes, clean dishes and do household chores before cycling to school in time for the morning flag ceremony. After classes, he sometimes visits friends or eats at a relative’s home before returning to the house at dusk, where he spends the night alone. He said the area around the house becomes very dark and quiet at night, leaving him feeling uneasy. Recently, an uncle concerned about his safety has occasionally come to stay with him. The boy said his biggest worry is the condition of the house, which is old and unstable. During heavy rain, water leaks through the roof in several places, sometimes making it difficult for him to sleep. Despite feeling hurt by the situation, Nice said he hopes his mother will eventually return so they can live together again as a family in the house. To support himself, the boy said he earns a small income at weekends when an uncle takes him to dig up plants, earning about 150 baht a day. If the money is not enough, relatives sometimes stop by to help, though the support is limited. Wacharin Chamruai, 34, a cousin of Nice, said the boy had not seen his mother for more than a decade after she left when he was a toddler. They briefly reunited when the grandfather died, but she did not stay to care for him. She said the situation gained attention after a local provincial councillor shared the boy’s story online, prompting members of the public to offer assistance. A member of parliament has since visited Nice and coordinated with the local subdistrict administrative organisation to prepare plans for building him a new home. People wishing to provide assistance can contact relatives at 091-726-4526.