Phuket Red Cross urges blood donations as tourist season begins
The Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society and Vachira Phuket Hospital have made an urgent appeal for blood donations, particularly as the tourist High Season begins.
With the approach of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday, which is also observed as Thailand National Day and Father’s Day, special blood donation events are planned for tomorrow, December 5. This date holds significant national importance and serves as a fitting occasion to encourage the community to contribute to this critical need.
The demand for Rh-negative blood remains particularly high. While Thai donors typically supply Rh-positive blood, it is predominantly foreigners who can provide the much-needed Rh-negative blood. This is crucial during the tourist high season when the number of accidents, particularly involving tourists on motorbikes, tends to increase, thereby escalating the demand for blood supplies, reported Phuket News.
Phuket’s Red Cross branch is actively organising mobile blood donation drives throughout the month to ensure a steady supply. The schedule includes:
- December 4: Maritime Park & Spa Resort, Krabi from 8.30am to 2pm
- December 5: Phuket branch of the Red Cross in Wichit from 9am to 3.30pm
- December 6: Credit Union Ratsada Phuket Cooperative Ltd from 9am to 1pm and Lotus’s shopping centre, Thalang from 12pm to 6pm
- December 7: Robinson Lifestyle Mall, Chalong from 11am to 3pm
- December 9: Krabi Municipal School, Krabi from 9.30am to 1pm
- December 11: Takua Pa Senanukul School, Phang Nga from 9am to 12pm
- December 13: Paradise Group, The Plaza Surin, Phuket from 9am to 3pm
- December 16: Honda Taimuang, Phang Nga from 9am to 3pm
- December 17: Satree Phuket School, Phuket from 10am to 2pm and Siam Makro, Wichit from 1pm to 4pm
- December 18: Plai Phraya District Office, Krabi from 9.30am to 1pm
- December 19: Angsana Laguna Phuket Hotel, Thalang from 10am to 3pm and The Nature Phuket Hotel, Kathu from 1pm to 4pm
- December 21 to 22: Phuket Rajabhat University from 9am to 3pm
- December 24: Phuket Vocational College from 9am to 3pm and GWM Phuket, Kathu from 1pm to 4pm
- December 25: Central Phuket Floresta from 12pm to 6pm and Phuket Provincial Prison from 10am to 2pm
- December 26: Bangkok Hospital Phuket from 1pm to 5pm and Lotus’s shopping centre, Thalang from 12pm to 6pm
- December 27: Khok Kloi Farmers’ Group Office from 9am to 12pm
- December 28: Duangjitt Resort Hotel, Kathu from 10am to 3pm
Vachira Hospital’s blood bank is also conducting mobile donation drives with the following schedule:
- December 4: Limelight Phuket, Phuket Town from 10am to 4pm
- December 5: Limelight Phuket, Phuket Town from 10am to 6pm
- December 6: The Nap Hotel, Patong from 1pm to 4pm
- December 11: Phuket Provincial Police headquarters from 10am to 3pm
- December 12: Provincial Electricity Authority, Patong from 10am to 3pm
- December 13: Siriyanyon Phuket Co from 10am to 3pm
- December 15: Lard Yai Walking Street from 3pm to 8pm
- December 17: Karon Municipality from 10am to 3pm
- December 18: Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa, Patong from 10am to 3pm
- December 19: Cherng Talay Municipality from 10am to 3pm
- December 23: Rosewood Phuket hotel from 10am to 3pm
- December 24: Provincial Electricity Authority, Thalang from 10am to 3pm
Donors are encouraged to visit the Phuket Regional Blood Centre, situated at 38/193 Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road in Talad Neua, Phuket Town. The centre operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 8pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 9am to 3pm.
For further details, the PRBC can be contacted via phone at 076-251178 or through their Facebook page.
The Blood Bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital, located on the fourth floor of the outpatient building on Yaowarat Road, is open at all times for donations. Potential donors can reach them at 076-361234 ext 1287 or via their Facebook page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is there such a high demand for Rh-negative blood in Phuket?
Rh-negative blood is rare among Thais, but essential due to increased tourist accidents, necessitating foreign donors.
How does King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday influence blood donation efforts?
The national significance of the day amplifies community engagement, aligning with cultural values to boost blood donation campaigns.
What if the demand for blood during the tourist season isn’t met?
Insufficient blood supply could lead to critical shortages during emergencies, affecting both locals and tourists in need.
How are mobile blood donation drives strategically planned in Phuket?
Drives are scheduled at various accessible locations, maximizing donor turnout across the island throughout December.
What role do international tourists play in Phuket’s blood donation efforts?
Tourists, often with Rh-negative blood, are crucial donors, especially during peak seasons when accidents rise.
