A Thai schoolboy born with a rare skin condition is finally getting treatment for the painful giant black growth across his body.

Long-suffering youngster Namnue, 6, was born with congenital melanocytic nevus syndrome, which caused the dark patch to sprout and spread on his back.

Though the mole-like lump is non-cancerous, the boy said it often itches and aches, especially during hot weather in the tropical country.

Namnue's family has been paying for his treatment at a hospital in Khon Kaen province, but their visits were irregular due to high hospital fees and travel expenses.

Moved by the child's plight, Chalida Palamart, the founder of the non-profit Pen Nueng Foundation, contacted the family to help them arrange for free treatment.

She set a meeting with Public Health Ministry authorities and hospital officials in Nonthaburi province on June 17 and the youngster was in hospital in Bangkok today, as seen in the video on June 25.

Thanakrit Jitareerat, assistant to the Public Health Minister, said: 'We have asked the Department of Medical Services to coordinate with affiliated medical facilities for the boy's treatment in accordance with the 30-baht treatment anywhere scheme.'

Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, said treatment must be administered immediately to prevent the mole from spreading further.

She said: 'If left untreated, the condition may affect other systems such as the spinal nervous system, affecting the child's balance. The process will begin with a biopsy before a treatment course can be prescribed.'

She added that the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health has experience treating several patients suffering a similar condition.

Namnue's father, Jakkaphong Longkhamma, 42, has also launched an online fundraiser and vowed to use the 100,000 THB (2.142 GBP) collected for his son's medicine.

He said he would take turns caring for Namnueng with the boy's mum, from whom he is divorced.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus is a rare skin condition believed to be caused by gene mutations that result in abnormally dark, raised patches of skin made of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.

Though the non-cancerous nevus or mole may appear small at birth, it usually grows at the same rate as the infant.

The skin on the nevus may appear dry and prone to irritation, itching, and excessive hair growth.