The popular Loy Krathong festival this year will be celebrated next Wednesday (Nov 5), although with muted celebrations to show respect for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, on Oct 24.
In calling for blood donations, the PRBC noted that Rh-negative blood remains in critical shortage, particularly as rising tourist-related accidents and medical emergencies continue to drive demand for this rare blood type in the region.
Eligible donors are encouraged to give blood whenever they can.
The Phuket Red Cross will be conducting its mobile blood donation drives throughout November at the following locations:
Nov 3: 8.30am-12pm ‒ Koh Lanta District Office, Krabi
Nov 5: 9am-12pm ‒ Borsaen Villa, Phang Nga
Nov 6: 9.30pm-1pm ‒ Toyota Andanman, Muang, Krabi
Nov 7: 10am-4pm ‒ Phuket International Airport (in the office building, closed for lunch 12pm-1pm)
Nov 8: 11am-3pm ‒ Robinson Lifestyle Chalong
Nov 10: 9.30am-1pm ‒ Ao Luek Prachasan School, Krabi
Nov 11: 10am-3pm ‒ Cherng Talay OrBorTor (closed 12-1pm)
Nov 11: 1pm-4pm ‒ JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Mai Khao
Nov 12: 9.30am-1pm: Krabi Technical College
Nov 13: 9am-3pm: Prince of Songkla University, Phuket
Nov 14: 9.30am-1pm ‒ Ammart Panitchanukul Krabi
Nov 17: 9am-12pm ‒ Phang Nga Naval Base, Thai Mueang
Nov 18: 1pm-4pm ‒ Patong Bay Hill Resort
Nov 19: 9.30am-1pm ‒ Vogue Shopping Centre, Krabi
Nov 20: 1pm- 4pm: Blue Canyon Country Club, Mai Khao
Nov 20: 12pm-6pm ‒ Go Wholesale, Phuket Town
Nov 21: 9.30am-1pm ‒ Nuea Khlong Prachabamrung School, Krabi
Nov 22: 11am-3pm ‒ Lotus’s Shopping Centre, Thalang
Nov 24: 1pm-4pm ‒ Pearl Hotel, Phuket Town
Nov 25: 12pm-4pm ‒ Makro Phuket, Thalang branch
Nov 26: 9.30am-1pm ‒ Khao Phanom District office, Krabi
Nov 27: 12pm-6pm ‒ Jungceylon Shopping Centre, Patong
Nov 27: 12pm-6pm ‒ Central Phuket Floresta (near stairs, car park Floor G)
Nov 28: 9am-12pm ‒ Phang Nga Technical College
Nov 28: 1.30pm-4pm ‒ Deebuk Phang-Nga Wittayayon School
While the Blood Bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital is receiving donations at its centre at Vachira hospital all this month, the centre has yet to release its schedule of mobile blood donation clinics for the month of November.
To make a donation people are advised:
- Under 60 if a first-time donor in Thailand, with 70 being the upper age limit.
- Ensure you are in good health.
- Get enough sleep the night before.
- No alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to donation.
- Have a healthy, low-fat meal at least three hours before donating.
- Do not donate blood while taking antibiotics to ensure good quality blood.
- Drink plenty of water before arriving to donate blood.
When making a donation, people are advised:
- Bring your ID card to verify your identity each time you donate.
- Complete the registration form upon arrival.
- Undergo a brief health check, including blood pressure and haemoglobin level assessment, and a short meeting with a doctor.
- The actual blood donation process takes less than 7 minutes.
- Enjoy a snack and rest for a few minutes post-donation.
- Drink 3-4 glasses of water.
People can also donate blood directly at the Phuket Regional Blood Centre, located at 38/193 Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd in Talad Neua, Phuket Town.
The centre is open:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:30am to 4:30pm
Tuesday, Thursday – 8:30am to 8pm
Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays – 9am to 3pm
For more information contact the PRBC:
- Phone: 076-251178
- Mobile: 081-9588854
- Facebook: Phuket Red Cross Blood Donation centre