Buddhist Monk Helps Young Student: First Grader Wears Kindergarten Uniform to School, Community Provides Living Essentials
A Buddhist monk and community officials in Rachaburi Province provided emergency relief to a 9-year-old first grader living in poverty with his deaf mother after he arrived at school wearing a kindergarten uniform.
Tan Gae, a 9-year-old first grader at Ban Rang Muang School in Chachoengsao District, Rachaburi Province, faced hardship on his first day of school when he had to wear a kindergarten uniform. His mother is deaf and illiterate, and the family of two lives in poverty with no money to buy him proper school clothes. After a teacher's home visit revealed the situation, Phra Kru Sophon Chanthorngsee, the abbot of Rang Muang Charoen Phol Temple, along with district security officials, education administrators, school staff, and local council members, launched a relief effort on May 21, 2025. They brought bedding, pillows, mosquito nets, dried food, and other necessities to help the struggling family. While these immediate provisions offer some relief, the community remains deeply concerned about the young boy's future educational opportunities and the long-term care he will need.
