Thai girl, 15, who collects plastic bottles to support family, donates part of fundraised money to those in need

A teenager in Thailand who recently went viral for selling plastic bottles to support her family and fund her education is now giving back to the community.

Poramet Misomphop, who first visited the girl’s home in Nonthaburi province and shared her story on Facebook, said that as of Apr. 15, 2026, donations have reached 3,110,932 baht (S$123,369).

This comes after the story of 15-year-old Benyapha Thanakornmonporn, who collects plastic bottles to support her family, prompted many to donate to them.

Donate to others

Misomphop added that the girl’s parents intend to keep only 1,300,000 baht for the family and donate the rest.

This includes contributions to charity foundations, as well as purchasing necessities such as diapers, rice, and wheelchairs for people with disabilities.

The remaining funds will be donated to a school to support educational needs for children.

The family said they want to continue helping others in need, and expressed gratitude for the public’s "concern, kindness, and continuous support".

Father bedridden

The fundraiser was set up after Benyapha’s story first went viral on Apr. 10.

Her father has reportedly been bedridden for 16 years following a serious fall.

Her mother is the sole breadwinner, working as a school cleaner 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.

To help support the family, she also collects plastic bottles from bins and roadsides to sell.

She earns less than 100 baht (S$4) a trip, according to Thai media Khaosod English who spoke to the family.

Benyapha’s mother told Khaosod English that she felt both pity and pride for her daughter, who faces hardships with resilience.

But when asked if she felt ashamed, the girl replied: "I'm not ashamed. My father is sick, and I have to help him."

Top photos from Poramet Misomphop/Facebook