More than 90% of Thai respondents in four regions praised Bodyslam pop-rock band frontman Artiwara "Toon" Kongmalai as an outstanding person of the year, a survey conducted by the Super Poll research centre has revealed.
Hard act to follow: Toon hopes to raise B700m for hospitals across the country
Centre director Noppadon Kannika said the poll canvassed 1,944 respondents from all walks of life in the four regions -- the South, North, Northeast and Central Plains -- from Nov 24 to Dec 2.
Ninety-three per cent of all respondents said the rock star should be lauded as an outstanding person of 2017 while 94.6% also eulogised his charity marathon to raise funds for 11 state-run hospitals.
Based on locations, Artiwara was admired by 96.5% of respondents in the South, 94.2% in the North, 92.7% in the Central Plains, 91.8% in the Northeast and 90.8% in Bangkok.
He was also popular with people of working age -- 93.9% of respondents praised the singer for his contribution to society.
The figure was slightly higher than results gathered from teenage respondents and those of retirement age in which around 92.5% expressed admiration for Artiwara.
The singer also gained popularity from 93.9% of female respondents while he was commended by 91.9% of male respondents.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau had devised a traffic management plan ahead of the arrival of Artiwara as his charity run passes through Bangkok today, according to Jirapat Phumjit, the bureau deputy chief supervising the measures.
Artiwara is scheduled to reach a PT fuel service station on Boromratchonnanee Road in Thawi Watthana district at about 3pm today. From there, a throng of runners will wait to run alongside him into the inner city.
The rock star will then pass through Sirindhorn Road, Krung Thon Bridge, Ratchawithi Road, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Victory Monument and Phaya Thai Road.
At about 8pm he will check in at the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel in Soi Rang Nam near the monument.
Pol Maj Gen Jirapat said one lane of the roads he passes will be closed while some areas around the monument will be sealed off due to the large number of well-wishers expected.
The singer will then depart Bangkok on Tuesday at 3.30am. He will run along Phaya Thai Road and Sri Ayutthaya Road and pass Nang Leang Racecourse, Wat Benchamabophit, the King Rama V equestrian statue at the Royal Plaza in Dusit district and Ratchadamnoen Nok and Klang avenues.
He will then cross Somdet Phra Pin Klao Bridge to enter Arun Amarin Road and head past Siriraj Hospital as he begins the next stage to Nonthaburi province.
Pol Maj Gen Jirapat asked the public to refrain from using these roads to reduce traffic congestion, particularly tomorrow.
The rock star started his 2,191km charity run from Yala in the deep South to Chiang Rai in the North on Nov 1 in a bid to raise 700 million baht for 11 state-run hospitals across the country.
Donations yesterday topped 400 million baht as he cruised through Ratchaburi on his fund-raising marathon that will bring him into the city today.
