https://mothership.sg/2026/04/thai-teen-collects-bottles-support-family/

Her mother is the sole breadwinner, working as a daily housekeeper and earning 380 baht (S$15) a day.

'I'm not ashamed': Thai girl, 15, collects plastic bottles to support disabled father & help pay for school

Despite her hardships, she continues to do well academically.

Khine Zin Htet

April 11, 2026, 03:33 PM

A teenager in Thailand has recently gone viral for selling plastic bottles to support her family and fund her education.

Local television network CH7 reported the story of 15-year-old Benyapha Thanakornmonporn in Nonthaburi on Apr. 10, 2026.

Photo from We Love Isan/Facebook

Father bedridden

Benyapha’s father has reportedly been bedridden for 16 years following a serious fall.

Her mother is the sole breadwinner, working as a daily housekeeper and earning 380 baht (S$15) a day.

As her father is paralysed and requires daily care, the teen goes straight home after school to help with tasks such as changing diapers and cleaning urine bags.

After that, she heads out to collect plastic bottles from bins and roadsides to sell.

She reportedly earns less than 100 baht (S$4) a week.

But when asked if she felt ashamed, the girl replied: "I'm not ashamed in front of my friends or anyone, because my father is sick, and I have to help him."

Does well in school

Despite her hardships, Benyapha continues to do well academically.

She was reportedly ranked third in her class, with a GPA of 3.75.

She is about to enter 10th grade, but her family is struggling to pay her tuition fees due to limited income.

A local Facebook page that learned of her story has since set up an online fundraiser for her, with donations accepted directly to her bank account and through her father’s number.

Top photos from We Love Isan/Facebook