Free 99-bed accommodation facility opens for Vachira Phuket patients

A 99-bed facility offering free accommodation to patients receiving treatment at Vachira Phuket Hospital and their relatives has opened in Phuket.

Baan Phueng Wat Phuket was established for patients who cannot afford hospital room charges or other costs associated with staying in Phuket during treatment. Vachira Phuket Hospital Deputy Director of Administration Rawiphen Kingkaew said hospital rooms typically cost between B1,500 and B3,500 per patient, while the new facility would provide accommodation free of charge throughout treatment.

The project was formally marked by a merit-making ceremony on 12 August at Wat Khao Rang Samakkitham. The ceremony was presided over by Phra Udom Wachiramongkol (Wirat Atthathammo), Chief Monk of Phuket Province and abbot of Wat Mongkol Nimit, Phuket’s designated Royal Temple. Nine monks attended.

Orasa Tosawang, director of administration at Vachira Phuket Hospital, said the hospital would “heal the body”, while Baan Phueng Wat would help “heal the mind” by giving patients and families a place to stay. She said some vulnerable patients could access treatment but could not afford transport, food or accommodation, leading some to refuse treatment to protect their families’ finances.

The abbot of Wat Khao Rang Samakkitham said the name Baan Phueng Wat, meaning “House of Support for the Temple”, reflected the temple’s relationship with the community. The temple had traditionally been a spiritual refuge, while the new building would help ease people’s mental and physical suffering, he said.

The project was supported by donations from Phuket residents, including solar panels, bricks, mortar and adhesive. Orasa said donations of even B9 could help save a life and that every baht donated would be used to help people in need.

Baan Phueng Wat is open daily. Check-in is from 2pm to 4.30pm and check-out is from 8am to 11am. Guests must present a Thai national ID card. Each assigned bed can accommodate one patient and up to two family members.

Reservations are limited to patients with a referral letter from Vachira Phuket Hospital, with the permitted stay determined by the referral. Extensions cost B500 per night. Guests must pay a B100 wristband deposit per person, with a B200 charge for lost or damaged wristbands.

Guests must bring their own bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels and clothing. They must clean their beds and storage areas and remove all belongings before leaving. Food, snacks and medication, including common household medicines, are prohibited inside the building. CCTV operates inside and around the building and accommodation areas.