The 14-year-old boy has travelled from the hills in northern Thailand to the ACT to receive surgery to correct his foot, which was deformed by polio.

The disease had weakened the muscles in his lower left leg, causing his foot to drop downwards with his toes fixed towards the ground.

Yesterday, Somchai recovered from surgery to correct his foot at the Calvary Private Hospital.

His smile was shy but wide when introduced.

He spoke a little English, but understood a lot, his temporary guardian and Rotary volunteer Piers Booth said.

"I think it has been an amazing journey and it's all been very strange for him to see Australia," he said.

"He's faced with doing things he's never done in his life and he's coped remarkably well I think.

"The first time I took him in an aeroplane, he didn't bat an eyelid," Dr Booth said.

Somchai is a member of the Akha people, one of the hill tribes found in northern Thailand.

His parents, who are separated, are stateless and illiterate.

Rotary volunteers found Somchai about two years ago while working at one of the few schools in the Akha villages.

Dr Booth said the people lived in extremely primitive conditions. "The houses have open fires at one end and thatched roofs, bamboo walls and bamboo floors," he said.

"And unfortunately the Thai Government doesn't provide them with any schools either, so they're illiterate.

"Without an education, there's no future."

But there is hope for Somchai.

Australian David Stevenson and his Akha wife Asa have established the Akha Training Centre at Mai Suai.

The centre aims to use education to move the Akha people from the Third World to the First.

People from around the world sponsor the 450 Akha children who attend the school.

"In the past, many of the children in particular the girls ended up in prostitution," Dr Booth said.

"After being infected with HIV, [they] die young."

The Rotary group, Reaching Overseas with Medical Aid for Children, arranged to send Somchai to Australia for his surgery.

His medical treatment was provided at no cost.

He arrived in Australia just before Christmas last year and will stay for another eight to 10 weeks while his foot and ankle heal.

Is he looking forward to going home?

"Yes," he said, smiling broadly.

Dr Booth said, "I got specific instructions from his mum to get him home again fit and well."