BANGKOK (Web Desk) – A heart-warming picture has emerged online showing a young beauty queen returning to her hometown in Thailand to say thank you in the most modest way to the woman who raised her.
Wearing her glittering crown, silk sash and heels, 17-year-old Khanittha ‘Mint’ Phasaeng – who won the title of Miss Uncensored News Thailand 2015 last month – knelt before her mother in front of filthy rubbish bins to thank her for all she has done, reports The People’s Daily Online.
The touching moment has captured many people’s hearts as Mint’s mother who raised her alone, makes a living by collecting and recycling trash.
For many Asians the highest form of respect is to kneel, no matter what the situation.
And according to DramaFever News Mint never felt ashamed: “What I have today is because of my mother. She and I make a living by doing honest work, so there is no reason why I should feel inferior.”
She maintains and optimistic outlook on life, continuing to help her family by working on many menial jobs, and assisting her mother when collecting and recycling rubbish.
By chance, Mint was recommended to participate in a beauty contest in Thailand. She never imagined winning the competition because of her upbringing.
“When the referee announced the winner it felt like a dream. I thought how an ordinary girl like me can be a beauty queen.
“All I have accomplished today is because of my mother’s hard work.”
Miss Uncensored News Thailand 2015 was held on September 25, it is open to both women and transgenders.
The family grew up in complete poverty, so much so they could not afford to send the beauty queen to college after she graduated from high school.
The 17-year-old beauty queen had already become the talk of the town after it was reported that she helps her mother collect garbage for a living, and that she once earned money as a second-tier dancer for musicians. She was on stage only during show intervals while the main dancers, the band and the singers were taking a break.
Mint also sells second-hand clothes for a living. The once unknown beauty contestant has now achieved a level of fame because of her life among the garbage, but says she is not shy about it.
According to the Bangkok Post Mint’s mother separated from her father when she was young, but she has since remarried.
After the win Mint has gained advertising, film and television work which she hopes will improve the situation at home. But, she said: “The family will continue to be scavengers. My mother will still go and sort garbage and is not willing to let me help.”
It is unclear where in Thailand her family home is, but Mint’s story has been widely praised and circulated across the country.
The People’s Daily Online reports that many people from impoverished backgrounds are saying she is not only beautiful but strong and dutiful, as she continues to help her mother sort rubbish.
