The announcement came at a press conference held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town yesterday (Dec 9), led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
Mr Artiwara, widely adored by the Thai people for his many fundraising efforts, was also present in person to confirm his performance at the concert, which will be held at the 4,000-seat Saphan Hin Gymnasium on Mar 9.
Tickets, priced between B1,000 and B5,000, go on sale on Dec 20, and will be available at 7-Eleven outlets and online via Allticket. VIP tickets will be sold at Vachira Phuket Hospital, he added.
The event will adopt eco-friendly practices, including zero-waste and low-carbon initiatives, supported by the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, Governor Sophon said.
Despite Governor Sophon first announcing the fundraising drive for the new cancer centre on Oct 29, so far there has been no explanation as to why government funds have not been made available,
Vachira Phuket Hospital is the main government hospital on the island, and is operated by the Ministry of Public Health.
High-ranking officials, including Governor Sophon, have repeatedly explained that the new centre will be the first government cancer treatment centre in the region ‒ that is, the first government cancer-treatment centre in the six provinces along the Andaman coast, comprising: Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi,Ranong, Trang and Satun.
Of note, Bangkok Hospital Siriroj, on the bypass road, opened its B300mn cancer-treatment centre on Oct 1.
Regardless, Governor Sophon yesterday explained, The Ministry of Public Health has allocated funding for advanced radiation therapy equipment but requires the building to be ready by June 2026.
“Construction must start promptly to meet this deadline. Without the facility, the budget for equipment installation could be forfeited, leaving patients without critical care options,” he said.
Governor Sophon expressed gratitude to Luang Por Sai Thong Techathammo, a revered monk who has endorsed the fundraising initiative.
As of now, over B56mn has been raised. However, more than B200mn is still needed to complete the project. The first phase of the project needs B150mn by February, Governor Sophon explained.
The campaign has received support from various community leaders and organisations in Phuket ‒ all led by prominent Phuket families.
Local businessman Boon Yongsakul, chairman of the charity concert and whose family own and operate Phuket Boat Lagoon, revealed that his family has donated the land for the facility but stressed the need for additional funding.
Pramookpisitt Achariyachai, renowned for his Kata Group of hotels, was also present yesterday to show his support for the fundraising drive. “This building will not only save lives but also reduce the burden on patients and their families,” he said.
Dr Wirasak Lothongkam, Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, also highlighted the urgent need for this facility.
“Each year, we receive 1,000 new cancer patients, with 500 requiring radiation therapy. Currently, patients must travel to other provinces for this treatment, which poses financial and emotional challenges for many families,” he said.
The proposed six-story radiation treatment building will house a Nuclear Medicine Radiation Treatment Department, a Chemotherapy Room and an Inpatient Department. Spanning approximately 9,000 square meters, the facility will be built on a five-rai plot of donated land on Pracha Uthit Road, just four kilometres from the hospital.
Once operational, it is expected to significantly enhance cancer care in Phuket and neighbouring provinces, Dr Wirasak said.
Phuket residents and supporters worldwide are invited to contribute to the fundraising efforts
Donations can be made to Krungthai Bank, account name “Donation for the Radiology Building, Chira Phuket Hospital,” account number 805 3 11019 3. Contributions are eligible for double tax deductions. For more information, call Vachira Phuket Hospital at 076-361234 ext 0.