The concert, ‘The Legends Concert # Queens of Rock’, will take place on Aug 30 at Phuket Rajabhat University. Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward purchasing additional medical equipment for Thalang Hospital ‒ the second year in a row the club has used a concert to support healthcare on the island.
The announcement comes as Vachira Phuket Hospital last Friday (July 25) confirmed that donations toward its radiation therapy centre had reached more than B415 million ‒ exceeding its original B290mn fundraising goal, but still B6mn short of the B421mn construction contract already signed.
The radiation facility will be the first of its kind in Phuket and is expected to serve more than 1,600 cancer patients per year from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. About half of these patients require radiation therapy, but currently must travel hundreds of kilometres to hospitals in Surat Thani, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Songkhla or Bangkok.
“For many families, the cost of getting to treatment is too high,” said hospital director Dr Weerasak Lorthongkam earlier this month. “That means they give up ‒ not just on therapy, but on their chance to survive.”
“B8 million is all that stands between patients and the treatment they need,” he said during a high-level inspection by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin on July 18. “We’re so close ‒ but we need that final push.”
The Public Health Ministry has allocated B152mn in support to purchase two major pieces of equipment: a B120mn 4D high-energy particle accelerator and a B32mn simulation and planning system. However, the machines cannot be delivered until the dedicated radiation building is completed to meet structural and safety standards.
Minister Somsak, during his visit, did not commit to covering the final B8mn shortfall for construction, leaving the burden on the public.
Among the latest contributors is the Royal Enfield Phuket Club, which donated B20,300 last Saturday (July 26), pushing total donations to B415,047,180.39. Vachira Phuket Hospital issued a public thank-you and renewed its appeal for public support to complete the facility.
Meanwhile, the upcoming ‘Queens of Rock’ charity concert aims to build on the momentum. Last year’s event helped fund the purchase of an X-ray machine for Thalang Hospital.
“The idea is to use the power of music to inspire action,” said Rotary Club President Tipanan Chomthepmala. “This year’s theme celebrates strong, legendary female voices.”
The lineup includes powerhouse singer Am Saowalak, rock icon Mai Charoenpura and ’90s legends The Palace. The concert will feature cutting-edge production and stage effects, promising a unique experience for the Phuket audience.
Tickets are available online through the Meuang Rae Phuket Rotary Club Facebook page. Proceeds will go toward the continued support of Thalang Hospital and its efforts to expand medical services for the local community.
Dr Sakchai Na Wang-ang, Acting Director of Thalang Hospital, praised the club’s ongoing efforts and encouraged the public to attend the concert or donate directly to help purchase vital medical equipment.
For those wishing to support the Vachira cancer centre directly, donations can be made via the hospital’s official channels. Full details are available on the Vachira Phuket Hospital Facebook page.