The pledge of allegiance ceremony and parade was staged at the sports field of Chaloem Phrakiat Somdej Phra Srinagarindra School in Wichit, overseen by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and his wife Busadee Suwannarat, who serves as the President of the Red Cross Chapter of Phuket Province and President of the Interior Housewives Club.
Over 400 people were present at the ceremony where official certificates and awards were distributed as part of a swearing in ceremony to new Red Cross youth members from the Phuket Provincial Red Cross Office, Phuket Dhamma Foundation, Phuket Chaloem Phrakiat Somdet Phra Srinagarindra School, Mueang Thalang School, Phuttha Mongkolnimit School, Muang Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization School and the Phuket Provincial Learning Promotion Office.
The Thai Red Cross Society was officially established in 1893 in Bangkok, which has served as its headquarters since. The current president is Her Majesty Queen Sirikit who has held the position since 1956.
In 1960, HM Queen Sirikit assessed and concluded that the Provincial Red Cross Chapters that had been established in the past were not working efficiently and thus initiated the restoration of their work.
Chao Phraya Srithammathibes, Executive Vice President of The Thai Red Cross Society at the time, subsequently cooperated with Field Marshal Praphas Charusathien, Minister of the Interior, to re-establish the Provincial Red Cross Chapters in 69 provinces and all of them were inaugurated on Jan 27 1961, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Red Cross Fair of the same year.
The Red Cross’ objective is the training of members to develop values of unity, peace and loyalty to the nation, religion and King. Further focus is placed on adhering to best practice health and hygiene for oneself and others while advancing a robust code of ethics and morality.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, currently serves in the role of Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross Society.
This morning’s ceremony came after Governor Sophon and Mrs Busadee took part in a merit-making service to offer alms and food to monks as part of celebrations yesterday to mark the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Red Cross in Phuket.
The service, at an unnamed temple, was also attended by Siriporn Sriwichai, Deputy President of the Phuket Red Cross Society, Suwit Suriyawong, Permanent Secretary of the Phuket Provincial Red Cross, Theeraphong Chuaychu, Kathu District Chief, in addition to members of the Phuket Red Cross Chapter.
Shortly afterwards, Governor Sophon and his wife attended a lunch ceremony at Phuket Panyanukul School to also honour the anniversary of the founding of the Red Cross Society in Phuket.