Toon Ran, Thailand Gave, Now Comes Hard Part – Using It Well

By Khaosod English

 

Singer Artiwara ‘Toon’ Kongmalai poses on Dec. 10 after he ran 400 kilometers to raise 63 million baht for the Bang Saphan Hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

 

By Chavalit Likitvivatanavong

 

Rock musician Athiwara “Toon Bodyslam” Khongmalai’s running of the entire length of the country to raise funds has succeeded beyond anybody’s expectations by taking in a staggering amount of money that will be donated to 11 mostly rural hospitals.

 

It was a feel-good event on a national scale, something that has become increasingly rare in a country that has found itself turning inward. Even the junta joined in the festive fun – doing everything from joining photo ops and dispatching bodyguard runners to donating to the cash-starved, government-supported hospitals – not realizing the irony after dropping billions in 2017 on new weapons.

 

Full story:  http://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinion/2018/01/10/toon-ran-thailand-gave-now-comes-hard-part-using-well/

 

-- © Copyright Khaosod English 2018-01-10

"But, at 1.3 billion baht and counting (over USD$40 million), some bureaucrats saw a full cookie jar to reach into."

 

Therein lies the problem with our hosts. Greed is a terrible weakness out here.

 

Let's hope that the bulk of these monies reach the rural hospitals in need.

Totally agree with the conclusion of the full report, establish a foundation to hand out the money to proven deserving causes.

Edited January 10, 20188 yr by Tilacme

Toon has done his bit, does he have to do the rest? 

 

Predictably the story exposes the voice of the greedy and entitled reaching for a piece of the action.

 

 

20 minutes ago, webfact said:

Now Comes Hard Part – Using It Well

acquiring money is not thailand's significant problem;

indeed, corruption depends on large money flows;

the place is so mired in it that it seems inescapable;

seemingly credible stories a couple years back have consistently placed the corruption at 35% of the gross;

thailand is in a position, that without corruption, little would get done;

thus if there might be a transition to less corruption, it will be a very slow transition indeed

The top head's mia noi's have been salivating since the beginning of the whole shabang. Let's not kid ourselves..

5 hours ago, kotsak said:

The top head's mia noi's have been salivating since the beginning of the whole shabang. Let's not kid ourselves..

I have the idea it will all go rather well, simply because too much attention is centered on this.

I just said I hope thieves do not squander/steal this money!

A foundation with people who know how to handle money is what is needed.  He can finance the equipment and then look at creating other great activities to further his vision or define a vision.  He might not have foreseen his success.