Phuket Vice Governor donates blood for Buddhist holiday

PHUKET: Phuket’s Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa this week donated blood to help publicize a special blood drive in honor of Asarnha Bucha Day, which marks the day the Buddha outlined the four noble truths that form the basis of Buddhist thought.

The blood drive is scheduled for July 20-23.

“We will accept donations from 9am to 3pm at the Phuket Regional Blood Center [PRBC],” said Pawinee Inthusut, the president of the Phuket Red Cross chapter.

On Asarnha Bucha Day, which falls on July 22 this year, Thai Buddhists give food offerings to monks, listen to sermons and walk within temples holding lighted candles. Donating blood is yet another way for Buddhists to make merit.

The four noble truths outlined by the Buddha after his enlightenment were: all life is suffering; suffering is caused by craving; there is a state beyond suffering and craving; and the way to this state is via the eightfold path.

The Phuket Regional Blood Center is located at 38/139, Rattanakosin 200 Pee Road, next to the Employment Office, at Saphan Hin (map here).

For more information, call 076-251178-2 or contact Sarawut Rakkhao at the Phuket Red Cross office at 081-9588854 or 076-211766.

— Paramee Poolsawat