BURI RAM - A doctor's clinic marked its 22nd year of biannual free services to make merit for King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the late king's mother Princess Srinagarindra - and drew crowds of poor patients as usual.
On Tuesday people of all ages flocked to the rowhouse where Dr Sonthaya Watanakosol runs his Sonthaya Medical Clinic on Niwat Road in Muang district. The latest round of free services enjoyed support from doctors and nurses from about 10 provinces, while local volunteers provided free meals, drinking water, hair cutting and massage.
Dr Sonthaya, 56, previously worked at Buri Ram Provincial Hospital. After resigning, he opened his own clinic, and has offered free services every July 18 - the day of the passing of Princess Srinagarindra - and Dec 5, the birthday of King Bhumibol, since 1995, the year the princess passed away.
The free services, medicines and medical supplies have been provided by the doctor himself, his network of doctors and nurses, and numerous volunteers.
Dr Sonthaya - known as "the generous doctor" by locals - said he would continue the free services, now in their 22nd year, as long as he lived in order to help people and honour the great kindness of the late princess and the late king.
He said he hoped the activities would inspire other people to do good for society.
Dr Sonthaya Watanakosol treats a patient at his free clinic on Tuesday.