Thailand calls for blood donations ahead of Songkran holidays

BANGKOK, April 9 (TNA) – The Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Centre encouraged members of the public to donate blood in order to ensure sufficient stock for needy patients during the upcoming Songkran festival in Thailand. The Director Ubonwan Jarunreungrit said the centre aims to reserve 2,000 units of blood per day to be able to maintain at least 3,000 units of blood a day in stock for emergency treatment during the Songkran festival, marking the traditional Thai New Year. Demand for blood tends to peak in Thailand during Songkran holidays when the number of traffic accidents normally spikes. A number of the local people, particularly in the capital Bangkok, spend the long holidays leaving on a trip to their rural hometowns. This year’s Songkran holidays run from April 13 to 17. As a result, the National Blood Centre will hold a campaign from April 10 to 17 in order to encourage the public to donate blood, Ubonwan said, adding that every blood donor will receive a free commemorative t-shirt with the number “๙” which is the number 9 in Thai printed on the left chest. Interested people can make a blood donation at the National Blood Center in Bangkok and 12 other service centers in Chon Buri, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Phuket, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. (TNA)