Mr Tono Pakin and the team behind “One Man and the River” pose for a group photo with officials from Khammouan after the welcoming ceremony.

Thai superstar singer helps raise funds for Lao and Thai hospitals

Thai superstar singer Tono Pakin recently swam across the Mekong river to help raise funds to buy equipment for two hospitals in Laos and Thailand.
The “One Man and the River” event allowed Mr Pakin’s fans and the public to donate money for a hospital at Nakornpanom in Thailand and a hospital at Thakhaek in Khammuan province of Laos.
The donations could be made through a bank account and special donation boxes.
The ceremony that marked the start of “One Man and the River” was held early on October 22 at Sisatnakarat temple in Thailand. It attracted a large crowd that included his fans, Thai celebrities and members of the public who came to wish him success.
The swimming activity was broadcast on a YouTube channel.
Mr Pakin swam across the Mekong river from Sisatnakarat temple in Nakorn Panom to the Sikhottabong stupas in Thakhaek.
He and his team arrived at the Sikhottabong stupas at noon and participated in various activities with officials from Laos and the sponsors of the event.
Mr Pakin was given a warm welcome by Lao fans and officials who had gathered to see the superstar.
He and his team and the officials from Laos watched a welcoming dance performance by Lao Youth. He then sang a song at the welcoming ceremony.
Mr Pakin received a flower and a congratulatory certificate from the deputy governor of Thakhaek. The sponsors donated more than 100 million kip to support “One Man and the River”.
The organisers on the Lao side opened a bank account for donations from the public. Donations can be made until the end of this month.
Mr Pakin said he was appreciated being part of the project to support hospitals of the two countries, and was happy to see the friendship between the Thai and Lao people. He said he hoped the love between the Lao and Thai people will last forever. He added that he expects Thakhaek and Nakorn Panom will become new tourist sites for the two countries.
He and his team swam across the Mekong river and arrived at Sisatnakarat temple on the Thai side at 5 pm. He was welcomed by officials and fans and received more than 56 million baht that was raised on the Thai side. In Thailand too, donations can be made until the end of this month.

By Sisouphan Amphonephong
(Latest Update October 25, 2022)