Bangkok: The National Blood Center of the Thai Red Cross Society has issued a call to action for healthy individuals to donate blood, emphasizing that a single bag of blood can save more than three lives. The center is hosting a blood donation drive from March 3-5, 2025, and is offering "Tiger Brand" fragrant rice as a token of appreciation to donors.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Dr. Dujjai Chaiwanichsiri, Director of the National Blood Center, highlighted that March typically experiences a blood shortage due to the lack of festivals or significant events that encourage blood donation. This period coincides with school breaks, resulting in a 25 percent reduction in blood collections from educational institutions. In March 2024, hospitals across the nation required an average of 7,400 units of blood daily, but only 3,300 units were donated per day, covering just 44 percent of the demand.
To combat the shortage, the National Blood Center has partnered with Lions Clubs International 310D and Taiwanese groups to promote blood donations. They are offering 3,500 bags of 'Tiger Brand' fragrant Pathum rice to healthy donors during the campaign at the National Blood Center. The initiative aims to secure a sufficient blood supply for hospitals nationwide, although the souvenirs are limited in quantity.
Furthermore, individuals who donate blood twice in 2025 will receive a 'Phra Phong Luang Pu Man Phurithatto' as a keepsake, with distribution beginning on April 1, 2025. For more details, interested parties can visit thaibloodcentre.redcross.or.th.