The child, Thanawat Makmun, was bitten on the head and ear, leaving a deep wound that required medical treatment.
The incident occurred on Feb 1, while Thanawat was playing outside his home. The dog, owned by Pramote Sae-lo, suddenly attacked the boy before running away. Ms Rungthiva Rueang-on, the child’s mother, rushed him to Kapoe Hospital for treatment. The following day, she filed a complaint with the local police, urging legal action against the dog’s owner.
Ms Rungthiva recounted the traumatic event, explaining that she was preparing food inside when the attack happened. “There were about nine children playing outside when the dog ran up and bit my son from behind,” she said. “I immediately rushed him to the hospital, but the dog’s owner did nothing to help.”
After the attack, she confronted the owner’s family, demanding accountability. Initially, the family offered to cover medical expenses, but a dispute arose over the compensation amount. “They offered B10,000, but my child suffered a serious injury. I asked for B50,000, and they refused,” she said.
The matter was taken to the police station, where both parties attempted to negotiate a settlement. However, when no agreement was reached, Ms Rungthiva sought legal assistance to pursue further action. “My child is traumatised. He had to get stitches, and now he is scared at night,” she added.
Lawyer Yarak Phethin, based in Koh Kaew in Phuket and who is assisting the family, emphasised that dog owners have a legal responsibility to control their pets. “If an animal causes harm due to negligence, the owner can face legal consequences, including up to two years in prison under the Criminal Code,” he stated.
Ms Rungthiva is now urging dog owners to take greater responsibility to prevent similar incidents. “If you have a dog, make sure it is properly secured so it doesn’t become a danger to children or others in the community,” she said. “My son was badly injured, but what if next time it’s worse?”
The case remains under police investigation, and legal proceedings may follow if no resolution is reached.