CHIANG RAI: Rock star Artiwara aka "Toon Bodyslam" Kongmalai resumed his charity run in the northernmost province early yesterday as donations to his South-North run to fund needy state hospitals exceeded 1 billion baht, one day before the conclusion of his 2,191-kilometre feat.
Toon had about 50km remaining in his mission to raise an original target of 700 million baht for 11 state hospitals by encouraging 70 million Thais to donate 10 baht each -- a goal he has already far surpassed.
Wat Rong Khun -- the White Temple -- in Muang district was among his stopovers yesterday. About 100 nurses and nursing students from Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital were among the crowd of 1,000 people waiting for Toon at the temple.
Staff had prepared performances to welcome Toon as their hospital is to receive funding from the charity run.
Toon started the run in Betong district of Yala on Nov 1, aiming to reach Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai by Christmas.
