60-year-old Shiti Charoenrattanaprapa developed neurofibromatosis when he was just 15 years old. This medical condition is caused by a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissues, and all over the body.
For Charoenrattanaprapa, his condition caused him to break out into bubble-shaped tumors all over his body. These bubbles, ranging in sizes, dotted everywhere.
Ever since he began to break out in these tumors, Charoenrattanaprapa’s friends and family shunned him for his appearance. He, in response, attempted to flee Thailand, crossing the country’s border to hide in Myanmar.
Unfortunately, Charoenrattanaprapa was discovered as an illegal immigrant and sent back to Thailand where he was unable to find a job or do anything else that would give him a second chance of having a normal life.
It was under these circumstances that Charoenrattanaprapa became a hermit, living by himself in a hut, away from others.
He was discovered there not long later, but was given permission to live his life there in peace. Volunteers from Red Cross and local hospitals helped support him by bringing him food and other necessary provisions.
Now, 45 years after Charoenrattanaprapa first sought out solitude, the 60-year-old man is returning to civilization to pay his respects to the late king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away last month.
The late king was well loved and respected by everyone, which is why Charoenrattanaprapa has chosen now, of all times, to return to town to honor the king.
You can watch a clip of Charoenrattanaprapa taking this trip here:
