Blood donations flow in for injured American teacher

PHUKET: At least 20 people have donated blood following an urgent call this morning for O-negative blood for an American woman requiring emergency surgery after a road accident, confirmed the Phuket Regional Blood Center (story here).

“Chonita Michelle Cleary, 24, and two of her friends – who declined to be named – were involved in a collision with a taxi when heading from Cherng Talay to Thalang at about 1am on Monday,” confirmed Capt Nattaya Suwanpong of the Thalang Police.

“The injured passenger was immediately taken to Thalang Hospital, while her friends sustained minor injuries.”

Taxi driver Chainarong Phetdam, 46, told police that he was taking his passengers from the airport to Patong when the vehicle carrying Ms Cleary and her friends crossed over into oncoming traffic and crashed into his taxi.

Mr Chainarong and his passengers, all foreigners, sustained minor injuries, but did not require medical attention, said Capt Nattaya.

Ms Cleary, who is a teacher at Phuket International Kindergarden and School, has now been transferred to Bangkok Hospital Phuket. She has asked for blood donations herself in a recent Facebook post:

“Hello everyone in Phuket and surrounding areas. I was involved in a horrible car accident and need to get operated on immediately. I have a very rare blood type amongst the Asian culture, my blood type is O negative. My dad will pay for everyone who is able to get tested. It costs US$30 and you will need to bring your passport to Bangkok Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.”

She thanked the Phuket Gazette for sharing her request for blood donations, but declined to comment further about the incident.

Capt Nattaya has also declined to comment further, as the case is still under investigation.

— Chutharat Plerin