Rock singer Artiwara "Toon" Kongmalai will be asked by the Public Health Ministry to become a physical exercise "ambassador".
Jessada Chokdamrongsuk, permanent secretary for public health, yesterday thanked Toon for completing his 2,215km South to North charity run on Monday.
Toon has postponed his trip back to Bangkok as he has been urged to rest for a few days in Chiang Rai.
Army chief Chalermchai Sitthisad yesterday said a C295W military transport aircraft was on standby for the Bodyslam frontman.
The aircraft was provided after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha instructed the army to fly the singer back to the capital.
Toon was previously scheduled to return to Bangkok yesterday.
Gen Chalermchai said it was Toon's decision whether or not to take the flight as a doctor had told him to rest for a couple of days in the province.
According to a medical team, Toon is suffering numbness on the left side of his body after his run.
However, his doctor Samitada Sungkapo said yesterday he did not have a severe injury.
Gen Chalermchai also defended the army providing a plane for the rock star to use, claiming it was not a waste of money as the plane had to take part in normal army aircraft exercises elsewhere.
"In addition, what the army does is a trivial matter compared to what Toon has done for the country. He has created awareness of the benefits of exercise among the public and allowed Thai people to feel good this New Year. I also thank him," Gen Chalermchai said.
Asked what the army will give Toon in return for his donations to 11 state-funded hospitals including Phramongkutklao Hospital, known for being a military hospital, Gen Chalermchai said it was up to Toon.
Gen Chalermchai said he will today meet two of his subordinates who joined the run to take care of Toon along the route.
The rocker's charity run managed to raise more than 1.2 billion baht, which will be donated to 11 public hospitals. As of Wednesday, donations continued to flow in despite Toon already having completed his run.
Donations will be accepted until May 31.
