Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife Ja Thananon, led government agencies, citizens, and the monastic community in a unified Kathin ceremony to raise 20 million baht for purchasing medical equipment for Ranong Hospital, firmly declaring that not a single baht would be embezzled.
At 10:00 a.m. on 9 August 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, presided over the ceremony conducting the unified Kathin ceremony to raise funds for purchasing medical equipment for Ranong Hospital. The event was attended by Mrs. Thananon Charnvirakul, Chairwoman of the Spouses of Cabinet Members and Honorary Advisor of the Ministry of Interior Housewives Association; General Kriangkrai Srirak, First Deputy President of the Senate; Mr. Patthana Promphat, Minister of Public Health; Mr. Chaiwat Juntirapong, Secretary to the Minister of Interior; Mr. Atsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Mr. Somruk Jungsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health; Mr. Narucha Kosa-sivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration; Mr. Rachan Meanoi, Governor of Ranong Province; Mr. Praithat Petchyuan, Governor of Phangnga Province; and Mr. Kongkrit Chatmali-rat, Member of Parliament for Ranong.
Also present were heads of government agencies, civil servants, state enterprise employees, and network partners from the provinces of Ranong, Phangnga, Surat Thani, and other southern provinces, totaling over 1,000 participants. The ceremony received blessings from Phra Ratcharan Kuwachimuni, Provincial Ecclesiastical Chief of Ranong and abbot of Wat Suwannakiriwihan Royal Monastery, who presided as the chief monk, along with Luang Pu Boonpeng Kanti-ko of Wat Pa Phu Lom Khao in Sakon Nakhon Province and other monks chanting Buddhist scriptures.
Prime Minister Anutin watched a traditional welcoming dance by the Sea Gypsy girls, performed by the still-energetic line dance team from Ranong Community College. He then entered the ceremony area, lighting incense and candles to pay respects before the image of Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. He offered incense and candles before the royal portrait of His Majesty the King, followed by officials inviting the Five Precepts, receiving the precepts, and chanting protective Buddhist scriptures. Afterwards, Anutin led the Buddhist devotees in offering the Kathin robes, making monetary donations, pouring water offerings, and receiving blessings.
Phra Ratcharan Kuwachimuni delivered a summary sermon, stating that illness requires hospitals for treatment to restore health. Throughout life, one relies on hospitals many times. If we reflect carefully, from birth we depend on hospitals, sometimes surviving, sometimes not, with survival sometimes limited to mother or child. Life has been preserved through these experiences. After survival, knowledge is nurtured in schools, and the monastic community cultivates virtues—these three elements constitute “Bwor,” meaning home, temple, and school.
Later, Prime Minister Anutin said, "Today, we are among close relatives and friends who share familiarity, faith, and generosity. We have gathered to conduct the Kathin ceremony to purchase medical equipment for Ranong Hospital. This is a merit that does not have to wait for the next life. These medical devices will benefit us when we are ill or when our relatives need medical care from the doctors at Ranong Hospital."
He explained that traveling from Ranong to other provinces takes considerable time. The closest province, Chumphon, is about two hours away, while Surat Thani, which has large hospitals and complete medical equipment, requires at least three hours of travel. Therefore, if an emergency occurs and Ranong Hospital lacks sufficient medical equipment, patients may face serious risks.
"Today, we are all joining in this unified Kathin ceremony to equip Ranong Hospital with medical equipment. This is a great merit and a catalyst for the Ministry of Public Health and the government to see the opportunity for Ranong Province to grow in tourism and industry, as a port city. This will make Ranong an attractive destination for various activities, supported by a hospital with strong capacity and good medical services."
The Prime Minister further stated that the directors of Ranong Hospital, the provincial public health doctor, the Governor of Ranong, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health must give a promise that "All 20 million baht must be used 100% for medical equipment only. Not a single baht shall be taken as a kickback." The people of Ranong are witnesses. Every receipt must be clear and accounted for because this money belongs to us, reserved for ourselves. Importantly, it must not be spent on ministerial lunches. It must be used sustainably and solidly for medical equipment.
Anutin also pledged that the funds would be used only for items beneficial to the people of Ranong. He said he would oversee every moment to ensure no funds go astray. The money must remain in Ranong Hospital only; it will not be used for doctors' clinics or outside the hospital. He asked everyone to be confident that they will collectively safeguard this.
The purpose of this Kathin ceremony was to raise funds from devotees, the public sector, private sector, and various agencies to purchase essential medical equipment. This aims to enhance the capacity of medical services for residents of Ranong and nearby provinces, enabling access to quality, fast, and safer medical care. The Kathin funds totaled 20 million baht.
Additionally, it was a sacred occasion for the monastic community of Ranong Province to join with Ranong Hospital in offering Kathin robes as a meritorious act, commemorating the 99th birthday of Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, in 2026.
