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

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.

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 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."

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 learnt 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.

The fundraiser closed with 1.1 million baht (S$43,716) collected in a few days' time.

Top photos from We Love Isan/Facebook