Grateful 10-Year-Old Collects Trash to Help Elderly Grandfather
A 10-year-old boy in Prachuap Khiri Khan collects recyclable trash with his elderly grandfather to support their struggling family, sometimes missing school to help earn 100–200 baht daily. Community leaders are now planning to build them a
Prachuap Khiri Khan — A heartwarming story has emerged on the eve of Mother's Day. A 10-year-old first-grade student named Thanjay, who attends Ban Khlong Chaering School under the Prachuap Khiri Khan Primary Education District Office 2, has captured hearts with his extraordinary gratitude and determination. The boy spends his spare time walking and cycling to collect garbage with his 60-year-old grandfather, selling the recyclables for 100–200 baht per day to help support the family. Thanjay lives with his mother Porn, 33, who works casual jobs, and his grandfather Nop, who relies on an elderly allowance and garbage collection. Their home is a ramshackle wooden shelter with a rusty metal roof and plywood walls that offers little protection from the elements.
Some days, poverty forces Thanjay to skip school to help his grandfather collect waste. Yet when asked why he helps, the boy smiles genuinely and says, "I want to collect garbage with grandfather because he is at the landfill. I want to help him." He then embraces and kisses his mother with heartfelt affection. School Principal Theeraphut Saengkaew has praised Thanjay as a well-behaved student, noting that the school provides him with two uniforms—one kept at school and one at home—to ensure he can attend class like other children. He has received educational support and materials since his kindergarten years.
Village headman Sakorn Chantasuk and community leaders have surveyed nearly 90 square meters of land and begun planning to construct a new home for Thanjay and his grandfather, offering them greater stability and safety. Those wishing to donate or support Thanjay's education may contact School Principal Theeraphut Saengkaew at 065-242-6949.
