To music fans, Artiwara "Toon" Kongmalai has long been known as one of Thailand's leading rock stars fronting the rock band Bodyslam. In recent years he has become recognised as a heroic figure, a man who ran across Thailand -- from the southernmost to the northernmost points -- raising money for hospitals that care for the poor.
Recently, the rock singer has turned the title of his running project "Kao Kon La Kao" (translated as "Each Of Our Step") into a proper foundation, and promptly announced plans to embark on new running events in all five regions of the country starting next month with an aim to raise funds for small provincial and district-level hospitals as well as inspire people to run or take up other forms of exercise.
"More than the money that we want to raise for the charity, our ultimate goal is simple -- to see more Thai people come out for exercise, and taking better care of their health," Artiwara told Life in a recent interview during a break from running practice at the VS Sports Club & Siam Polo Park, Samut Prakan province.
"I believe that once Thai people have the highest quality of life, then the country should be stronger too."
The logo of the "Kao Kon La Kao" foundation was designed to look like jigsaw puzzle pieces that make up an image of a tree, representing each step that unites for the same goal.
"Through my power alone, this mission would be like a faraway dream that maybe is hard to reach, but with help from the entire nation, I believe anything is possible," said Artiwara.
But why bother setting up a foundation when he could easily raise millions by organising a few charity concerts?
"Of course, playing a charity concert is perhaps one of easiest ways to raise money, but I'm sure it won't inspire people to increase their awareness of the health benefits of exercise," he said.
"I wanted this foundation to be sustainable. With or without me in the future, the idea and purpose will stay with Thai people forever. That's what I'm hoping this foundation will continue to be."
In 2016, the Bodyslam frontman became a media phenomenon as he held a 400km charity run that raised 63 million baht for Bang Saphan Hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
And the next year Artiwara led a 2,215km, 55-day charity run -- the longest run in his life -- starting from the country's southern tip in Betong, Yala, and arriving in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, the northernmost district of the country, raising 1.37 billion baht from donations and merchandise sales for 11 state-owned hospitals, including Saraburi Hospital, Surat Thani Hospital, Khon Kaen Hospital, Chaophraya Yommaraj Hospital, Nakornping Hospital, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chaopraya Abhaiphubejhr Hospital, Ratchaburi Hospital, Nan Hospital, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Yala Hospital.
The charity money far exceeded his initial goal of 700 million baht, giving the people of Thailand a symbol of unity. Donations reportedly continued to flow in long after his run was completed.
The new programme will start in the Northeast on June 15-16. The running event will be followed with more in the southern, northern, eastern and central regions later in 2020. Unlike Artiwara's much-acclaimed 2017 fundraising run, this one will not span the length of the country in one go. Instead, Artiwara will lead a smaller trek running through the Isan region, covering 180km, passing through Nong Khai, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen provinces.
"This time it wouldn't be a one-man show," said Artiwara.
"The previous two events were all about challenging myself and pushing past my own limits. I wanted to give some inspiration, as well as prove to those who underestimated me, who said I'm just a skinny singer that looks like a junkie and will not make it. I have proven all that already, so this time I invited my friends to join me on the run.
A parade of celebrities, such as Surivipa "Mam" Kultangwattana, Vuthithorn "Woody" Milintachinda, Rachwin "Koy" Wongviriya, Patcharasri "Kalamare" Benjamas, Jeeraroj "Maggie" Hathaiphongsakun, Puttichai "DJ Push" Kasetsin, Warattaya "Jooy" Nilkuha and many more will be joining Artiwara on the upcoming Northeast run weekend.
"None of these people are real athletes or professional runners, but they are people who love exercising and each of them will come with their hearts, and join me on the run," he said.
"It's going to be a relay run, so I'll run for only 10km. Then I'll pass the baton to my friends who will help me inspire the people."
Artiwara is inviting the public to join him and his friends on the last 10km of the run to be a part of this historic event.
"It's one of the gimmicks we came up with, which we planned to do in all five regions. Starting in Isan, we would like to invite everybody to come together and set a new record for the biggest mini marathon in Thailand," he said.
Despite being the lead singer of one of the country's most popular rock bands, Artiwara said that he never before had such a high stature.
"I'm really happy at where I am today a lot," he said.
"Especially over the past few years that I realised that I could use my status as a singer to do good deeds for the country. I'm so grateful and thankful to those who always believed in me. I promise to keep doing this until the day I run out of energy."
