Phetchabun Hospital Donations Exceed 5 Million Baht
Phetchabun Hospital in northern Thailand has raised over 5.5 million baht in public donations following a social media campaign sparked by mold damage and the director's transparency about the facility's financial crisis.
On September 16, 2569, reports emerged of mold covering the ceilings and walls at Phetchabun Hospital after a social media post drew attention to the deteriorating conditions. Hospital administrators explained that the mold resulted from continuous air conditioning on some floors while the third floor lacked cooling, creating humidity in the ceiling cavity between floors three and four. Recent heavy rains during the monsoon season accelerated mold growth despite regular cleaning efforts. The hospital is seeking budget allocation to address the issue and has plans to demolish several aging buildings and relocate patient services. A 50-year-old four-story structure damaged during recent earthquakes will also be torn down and rebuilt.
Hospital Director Dr. Gobchai Jirchanchay apologized and took responsibility for the situation, revealing that the hospital faced a 170 million baht deficit in fiscal year 2568, which he reduced to approximately 26 million baht by August 2569. The director's transparency sparked a widespread social media campaign tagged #SavePhetchabunHospital, encouraging public donations.
Donations have poured in significantly. Between September 12 at 1 a.m. and September 13 at 11 p.m., the hospital received 2,276,646.64 baht. By September 14, an additional 1,364,580.77 baht brought the total to 3,641,227.41 baht. By September 15, donations reached 5,532,540.90 baht after adding another 1,891,313.49 baht.
On September 15, two private companies—V.Sathaphat and V.Concrete—donated 1,220,000 baht for medical equipment, including a defibrillator worth 450,000 baht, 40 patient transport beds worth 540,000 baht, air conditioning units, sound equipment, document scanners, emergency room upgrades, and a computer set with printer valued at 25,000 baht.
Those wishing to donate can do so directly at the hospital or transfer funds to Krung Thai Bank account number 614-0-76611-7 under the name "Phetchabun Hospital Donation Fund," which qualifies for double tax deduction. For more information, contact 056-717600.
