Yesterday, Thailand’s favorite rock star, “Toon Bodyslam,” arrived in Betong, Yala — the southernmost point of Thailand — to begin his 2,191-kilometer charity run across the country.
Lead singer of Bodyslam, Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai, is set to start the longest run of his life tomorrow, from Betong district to Mae Sai in Chiang Rai province, the northernmost district of Thailand.
The 38-year-old rock star was welcomed by Suvit Narkpao, Yala’s provincial permanent secretary, and Udom Laksana, president of the Betong Tourism Industry Association, Thai PBS reported.
Under his campaign “One Move Forward,” Artiwara expects to complete his run in 55 days and reach the finish line on Christmas Day, raising THB700 million (US$21 million) for 11 public hospitals.
To hit that goal, Toon is asking that 70 million Thais give him THB10 (US$0.30) each.
And it doesn’t seem out of reach. Last year, the rocker raised THB85 million (US$2.55) in 10 days by running 40 kilometers from Bangkok to Bang Saphan Hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, which was overcrowded and needed to double its capacity.
To donate, Thais using cellphone service providers AIS, DTAC, and Truemove H can text T to 4545099 to donate THB10.
If you want to donate big bucks, you can make a transfer to the account of Phramongkutklao Hospital Foundation. The account number is 111-393-5263 (Siam Commercial Bank).
The donations will go toward these hospitals:
- Yala Hospital, Yala
- Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Prachin Buri
- Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok
- Nan Hospital, Nan
- Surat Thani Hospital, Surat Thani
- Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiang Rai
- Khon Kaen Hospital, Khon Kaen
- Chao Phraya Yommarat, Suphanburi
- Saraburi Hospital, Saraburi
- Nakhonping, Chiang Mai
- Ratchaburi Hospital, Ratchaburi
