Singer-turned-charity runner Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai reached Chiang Rai province on Saturday evening, the last province of his marathon run, as donations reached almost one billion baht.
On Day 41 of his 2,191km charity run to raise fund for 11 public hospitals, the singer and his team left Mae Chai district hall in Phayao province at 5pm for the next stop at Ban Poo Kaeng School in tambon Muang Kham of Phan district in Chiang Rai for a distance of 10km.
Five TV stars -- actresses Chalida Vijitwongthong and Chonlada Mekratree, as well as actors Naphat Srisomboon, Theeradet Methawarayut, and Yuk Songpaisarn -- joined him in the run by carrying bags to receive donations from well-wishers along the route.
When arriving at Phan district at 6.15pm, the Bodyslam lead singer and his team briefly took part in an activity held at Ban Pukaeng School in tambon Mae Yen before staying overnight there.
Toon had initially planned to stay overnight either at Wat Rong Khun, also known as the “White Temple’’ in Muang district, about 50km from the school, or in downtown Phan district, about 13km from the venue. As he sustained an injury to his left hand, he and his team decided to stay overnight at the school, Thai media reported.
He had completed 2,097km of the total distance planned through 20 provinces from Betong, the southernmost district in Yala, to Mae Sai, the northernmost district in Chiang Rai. The plan is to reach the finishing line on Dec 25, a distance of 2,191km
According to the official website, kaokonlakao.com, donations had risen to 984.9 million baht on Saturday.
Actresses Chalida Vijitwongthong and four other TV stars join Toon for the run on Saturday. (Photo by Saiarun Pinaduang)
Actress Chonlada Mekratree carries a bag to receive donations from well-wishers. (Photo by Saiarun Pinaduang)
