A month after starting his run at the southernmost point of Thailand, rock star “Toon Bodyslam” has reached Bangkok and met with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha this morning.
Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai brought his family to a meeting with Prayuth at the Government House today as Prayuth praised the singer for being a “citizen who does great for the nation.”
Toon, the lead singer of Bodyslam, is on a mission to run 2,000 kilometers from the southernmost to the northernmost point of Thailand and raise THB700 million (US$21 million) for 11 public hospitals.
He reached King Power duty free in Ratchathewi district last night. It is unclear when he will resume his run, as his doctors have ordered him to take a break for two days due to his ankle injury, Matichon reported.
At Government House today, the prime minister also donated a sum of cash sealed in an envelope to the singer, and it wouldn’t be Prayuth if he didn’t deliver a questionable speech.
He said, “Toon is the idol of Thai people. Becoming an idol is hard, and remaining one is even harder. It’s like you’ve won a championship, but remaining a champion is harder. But based on his background, I’m confident in him. He graduated Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Communication Arts with honors. He has talent in music. He is the idol of the new generation. He is a new generation.”
While Toon said, “I’m so happy that throughout the run from Betong district, I’ve witnessed the smiles and happiness of Thai people. Some children brought their piggy banks to make donations. I think this is such a beautiful and great thing. Thanks for seeing me as an inspiration.”
As of this morning, Toon has raised THB446.2 million (US$13.6 million).
