The donations were received at an event yesterday (Dec 5) led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, joined by his wife, Mrs Busadee, along with hospital executives and local officials.
Lienkin Rakchon and family donated B500,000, while Wirat Songsaeng, Managing Director of Mukdara Beach Resort Co Ltd contributed B1 million to the project.
The initiative aims to raise B290 million for the six-story building, which will house a radiation therapy department, nuclear medicine facilities, a chemotherapy unit, and inpatient wards. Spanning 9,000 square metres, the facility will be located on a five-rai plot of donated land along Pracha Uthit Rd, just four kilometers from Vachira Phuket Hospital.
The new cancer center promises to significantly improve treatment accessibility, increase survival rates, and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients in the region.
At an event announcing a major fundraising drive for the new facility, Pramookpisitt Achariyachai, Chairman of the Vachira Phuket Hospital Development Committee, explained, “We need B150mn by February 2025 to begin the first phase, aiming for completion and to deliver the first radiation therapy by Sept 9, 2026.
“Once built, patients from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi can access comprehensive cancer treatment closer to home, eliminating the need to travel long distances.”
Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Dr Wirasak Lothongkham, stressed the growing demand for local radiation therapy services.
“Every year, we handle around 1,000 new cancer cases, with half requiring radiation. Currently, we must refer these patients to distant provinces like Surat Thani or Bangkok. This can mean significant expenses for patients, who face costs for travel, lodging, and meals,” he said.
As part of ongoing efforts to raise funds, a traditional Thai donation ‘phaapaa’ ceremony’ will be held at Vachira Phuket Hospital on Feb 8.
The event will be led by Luang Por Sai Thong Techa Thammo of Wat Pa Huai Kum, Chaiyaphum Province, a revered monk known for his philanthropic contributions to hospitals and schools across Thailand.
People of all races and religions are invited to participate and contribute to the cause, said an official report of the donation event yesterday.
Those wishing to donate can support the construction fund through the following bank account:
Bank: Krung Thai Bank
Account Name: Donation for the Radiation Therapy Building, Vachira Phuket Hospital
Account Number: 805-3-11019-3
Donations are eligible for ‘double tax deductions’ under Thai law, said the report.
For more information, contact Vachira Phuket Hospital at 076-361234, ext. 0