Supat Hasuwannakit

Director, Chana Hospital Songkhla

Industry : Advocacy

Dr Supat became widely known in 2017 when he decided to invest 1.7 million baht to install solar panels at Chana Hospital. Previously, the hospital’s energy bills were five per cent of its entire annual budget and he realised that expecting staff to reduce energy use would be fruitless. Deciding that solar panels were the way to go, he initiated the 170 baht campaign to raise funds for their installation, hoping to attract 10,000 donors. Within five days donations had exceeded the goal. With the solar panels installed the hospital’s energy bills have been reduced by 500,000 baht per year but the reduction in its carbon footprint is even more significant. The project also helped to train local volunteers in the installation process, thereby creating a pool of solar technicians and leading to the Green South Network. Dr Supat has also initiated a campaign to raise 7.7 million baht to do the same for seven hospitals around the country. He is known for his firm stance against the building of fossil fuel power plants.