In Chiang Rai, the "Wat Huay Plakang Hospital for Society," a hospital serving low-income patients, is facing multiple crises including rising fuel prices, a drop in tourists, and fewer donations. These issues have impacted the hospital's operational budget and its ability to provide free patient care. There are shortages of medicines, medical supplies, equipment, and funds to support medical staff and nurses. Currently, funds remain to manage the hospital for only about two more months. The abbot has called on those with goodwill wishing to donate to contribute.
On 13 June 2026, reporters reported that Wat Huay Plakang Hospital for Society, located within Wat Huay Plakang in Ban Du Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province, is a primary and secondary care hospital housed in a 108-meter-long, 7-story building with 90 beds. It continues to serve impoverished and underprivileged patients daily, averaging about 300 patients per day. The temple charges no fees for treatment, providing free care with a team of around 60 doctors, nurses, and staff.
However, since opening on 1 December 2022 with a construction budget exceeding 730 million baht, the hospital has faced budget shortages starting early 2026. Only about two months' worth of operational budget remains, as the hospital requires more than 6 million baht per month to operate.
Phra Paisan Prachathorn V. or Phra Ajarn Phopchok Tissawanso, the abbot of Wat Huay Plakang and founder of the hospital, revealed that over nearly 3 years and entering the 4th year, the hospital has provided free medical services to poor and underprivileged patients, especially dental care such as checkups, extractions, fillings, scaling, and oral disease treatments. A large number of patients have received treatment.
However, following various crises including rising fuel prices and others, fewer visitors have traveled to the temple and made donations. As a result, the temple’s income from donations has decreased and can no longer support the hospital’s operations as it did in past years.
Phra Ajarn Phopchok stated that the hospital is currently experiencing shortages of medical supplies, medicines, medical equipment, and budget to support staff and volunteers working at the hospital. Calculations show that only about two months of management budget remain.
Despite these difficulties, the temple remains committed to continuing its mission to help poor patients. Therefore, it appeals to those with goodwill wishing to contribute. Donations to support the operations of Wat Huay Plakang Hospital for Society can be made via Kasikorn Bank account number 118-1-21984-6, under the name “Wat Huay Plakang.” This will help ensure the hospital can continue to serve and treat poor patients.
“The concern is not only about budget figures but also the patients who await treatment daily. This hospital is not only the temple’s; it belongs to society, to the people who have received opportunities, and to the benefactors who have helped build it,” Phra Ajarn Phopchok said.
Reporters also noted that Wat Huay Plakang is not only a significant Buddhist tourism site in Chiang Rai Province and that Phra Ajarn Phopchok is highly respected by Buddhists, but the temple also provides a hospital, accommodation, job creation, and educational support for children. This has become widely known, culminating in the construction of the Wat Huay Plakang Hospital for Society.