NAKHON PHANOM: Popular singer-cum-actor Pakin “Tono” Kumwilaisak plunged into the Mekong River in Muang district of this northeastern province to kickstart his charity swim across the river on Saturday morning to raise funds for two public hospitals, with donations soaring to 29 million baht.
A crowd of people thronged Phaya Si Sattanakharat ground, the city’s riverfront landmark, the starting venue of Tono’s charity swim.
The 36-year-old actor plans to make the swim on Saturday to raise funds for Nakhon Phanom Hospital and a hospital in Khammoune in Laos – under the campaign banner “One Man and The River’’.
Before the charity run, a ceremony to worship the naga, a mythical snake, was held at 8am on the Mekong riverbank in Muang district of Nakhon Phanom.
The ceremony took place at Phaya Si Sattanakharat, which means the King of Nagas, amid light rain. The event was joined by Chanchai Kongtan, provincial deputy governor; Suphachai Jaismut, Bhumjaithai party-list MP representing the province, administrative officials, civil servants, locals and tourists.
Tono began his swim at 10.19am from the starting venue at the naga statute to Wat Klang pier, about 800 metres, on the Thai side. He was accompanied by canoes, jet skis and swimmers for safety.
When arriving at the temple pier, the actor was greeted by people who came to make donations to support his mission. He later jumped into the river again to continue his venture in the river to Wat Phrathat Srikhotabong in Khammouane with a distance of 7-8 kilometres from the Thai side.
Tono and his team will take a rest on the Lao side of the river and will swim back to the Thai side in the evening. A combined distance for his charity swim covered about 15 kilometres.
As of 10.30am, the charity swim campaign, despite many people’s criticism and concern for his safety, has so far raised 29 million baht, according to media reports. The donation has far exceeded Tono’s expectations, and the amount is expected to increase.
Donations could be made until Oct 31 via Bank of Ayudhya’s account name: Foundation for Thailand Rural Restructure Movement, New Phetchaburi branch, account number 034-0-04773-2. For more information, visit https://taejai.com/,