Picture courtesy of Thairath

A heartfelt plea on social media has seen donations flood in, exceeding 1 million baht, for a high school student living alone in a rented room. The student, working to support his education, quickly became the focus of a remarkable response from the public. Volunteers have announced the closure of donations, detailing the careful management of these funds.

The story gained traction on 19 January 2026, after a Facebook user named "Mes Chaochai Noi," a volunteer for a foundation, shared the challenges faced by the Grade 11 student. Living with basic amenities such as a small mattress and working part-time for 6,000 baht a month, the student was in a precarious situation. After rent, he struggled to save enough for daily necessities and feared he couldn’t continue his education due to financial constraints.

The student's hardship began when his parents separated during his first year of high school. After a serious disagreement, his mother arranged for him to live alone in a rented room, but her visits and financial support dwindled. Known for his diligence and excellent manners, the student persevered despite the challenges.

The organiser ended the campaign after surpassing the fundraising target within a day of posting it. Overwhelmed by the support, individuals also reached out with offers of further assistance. The oversight of the donated funds was assured by Mr. Mes, who confirmed that the Children and Family Shelter in Nonthaburi Province would handle the student's educational finances.

The substantial donation will be split wisely. A portion will be deposited into a new bank account under the student's name, with controlled withdrawals specifically for future undergraduate studies. Only the student will have access to these funds. The foundation ensures no other parties, including family, can claim the money.

The remaining funds have been entrusted to the student for personal expenses, deemed sufficient for his needs without making future claims for more. Mr. Mes expressed his satisfaction with this prudent approach for securing the student’s safety and educational prospects.

The influx of donations and the transparency in managing the funds reflect widespread community compassion and the structured effort to secure the student’s future. The initiative serves as a shining example for those facing similar struggles, reported Thai Rath.

Key Takeaways

• A Facebook post led to donations surpassing 1 million baht for a Thai student.

• A government agency will securely manage the funds for the student's education.

• The student's situation highlights the power of community support and generosity.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2026-01-20

 

 

Wonder how long until Mummy & Daddy show up with their hands out.....

A good to read story about a diligent young man. Glad to hear he is getting the monetary and other support he needed!

After all the doom and gloom that we read about every day it is a refreshing change to read this story

I hope the student does well- I suspect he will given the determination he has shown so far

On 1/21/2026 at 6:52 PM, Divorce Lifeline said:

After all the doom and gloom that we read about every day it is a refreshing change to read this story

I hope the student does well- I suspect he will given the determination he has shown so far

Get rid of the effing ads, Loser! That's not what we come to AN for. Opinions welcome!

2 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Get rid of the effing ads, Loser! That's not what we come to AN for. Opinions welcome!

Its the forum sponsor .