Buddhist Abbot Reveals Source of 2 Billion Baht Hospital Donation
A Buddhist abbot has disclosed that a 2 billion baht hospital donation comes from devout followers, as he pursues plans to build medical facilities across Bangkok to serve over 10 million residents and ease pressure on overcrowded state hos
Phra Phrom Vachirakhun, known as Luang Pho Ner, has revealed that the 2 billion baht donation for hospital construction in Don Muang comes from devout Buddhist followers, while reaffirming his goal to build hospitals covering the entire Bangkok area. On September 13, 2026, Phra Phrom Vachirakhun, abbot of Wat Sri Sudaram and adviser to the Bangkok Sangha Council, confirmed his intention to establish hospitals under the Bangkok Medical Administration to cover Bangkok. He pledged to serve as chairman to facilitate their opening to the public, with Buddhist donors contributing funds to be later transferred to Bangkok for budget allocation and construction of main buildings. The abbot explained that the initiative targets Bangkok's registered population of 5,527,948 and approximately 5,292,973 unregistered residents, aiming to provide comprehensive access to modern and efficient medical and public health services while alleviating pressure on overcrowded state hospitals. Work has already proceeded on six projects: 1. Rajpipat Hospital in Bang Kae District opened on April 9, 1999, when the late King Bhumibol granted the Crown Prince to perform the opening ceremony on his behalf. Built on 7 rai of donated land, later expanded to 15 rai, it now hosts a medical school in partnership with Bangkok Thonburi University. 2. Ratana Prachaarak Hospital in Khlong Samwa District received royal patronage from Princess Sirindhorn, who laid the cornerstone on March 28, 2013, and opened the building on August 8, 2025, bestowing the hospital name. Constructed on 20 rai of donated land. 3. Rajakupt Urban Medicine Centre for rehabilitation and the Kilanuppatthak Building opened on July 12, 2019, on 7 rai of donated land, providing care for the elderly and disabled monks. 4. Phra Mongkol Thep Muni Hospital on Phutthamonthon 1 Road in Phasi Charoen District began outpatient and emergency services on March 31, 2023, on 14 rai 70 square wah of temple land. 5. Busakam Chitkarun Hospital on Sukhapibal 5 Road in Sai Mai District opened outpatient and emergency services on January 9, 2025, on 26 rai 92 square wah of donated land. 6. Somdet Phra Maharaj Mangkalachan Hospital is being constructed on 18 rai of Pak Nam Temple land in the north of Bangkok as a tribute to His Majesty the King's 60th birth anniversary on July 28, 2024, in partnership with Navamindradhiraj University.
