Atiwat Witpichitchai has already received more than Bt1.6million in donations after his aunt went on social media to lament that he was going to miss his chance to study at Kasetsart University’s Engineering Faculty because he could not afford tuition fees.

“Please help to investigate … if this boy is really poor. I’ve received so many tips-off that he is not in financial difficulty,” a post on the prominent Facebook page “Queentogetherisone” read.

Atiwat said on Tuesday he had already received adequate funds for his studies and urged kind-hearted people to direct their donations towards other students.

Asked about his financial situation, Atiwat said he would forgive people who had defamed him.

“I can tell you that my aunt tells the truth,” Atiwat said. “But we are not going to take any action against our accusers.”