Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan held a unified Kathin ceremony to raise funds for purchasing medical equipment for Koh Samui Hospital, with generous donors contributing more than 35 million baht in total.
On Saturday, 28 March 2026 GMT+7, Phra Phrom Sitthi, a member of the Sangha Supreme Council and abbot ofWat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan,presided over the unified Kathin ceremony to raise funds for medical equipment for Koh Samui Hospital in Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province.
Mr. Somchai Poolsawat, former Director-General of the Excise Department and chairman of the Ruam Phon Khon Samui Foundation, served as lay chairman. Dr. Jakkrich Suwanthap, director of Koh Samui Hospital, along with hospital executives and staff, managed the event. Donations exceeded 35 million baht.
In the past, Koh Samui faced significant public health challenges due to its remote location and lack of a hospital. In 1969, island residents united to donate land and funds, successfully establishing a hospital in 1972 on over 30 rai of land. Between 1985 and 1986, funds were raised to build a monks' infirmary building, with kind support from Somdet Phra Phutthachan (Kiao Uppaseno).Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihanwhen he held the ecclesiastical title Phra Phrom Khunaphon, presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony, marking the beginning of great faith and cooperation.
Later, between 2015 and 2017, construction began on the Somdet Phutthachan Memorial Building (Kiao Uppaseno) to honor his contributions. Phra Phrom Sitthi led the foundation stone laying ceremony, laying the foundation of faith that fostered the hospital’s development, including a modern intensive care unit and special wards to effectively serve the public.
However, despite past successes built on faith and collaboration, Koh Samui Hospital currently faces budget constraints, especially a shortage of 4,707 specialized medical equipment items valued at about 39 million baht. These devices are crucial for treating complex diseases such as cardiovascular and stroke conditions, and essential for expanding intensive care capacity to promptly serve critical patients, particularly during the monsoon season.
Therefore, Koh Samui Hospital has proceeded with constructing the four-story "Marina Hub" building to elevate its status to a large general hospital with 300 beds, enhancing its medical treatment capacity and public care capabilities within the district.Koh Samui District,Koh Phangan District, and Koh Tao, enabling residents to access modern medical services at full efficiency and international quality standards.