The event, held at The Pago Design Hotel in Phuket Town, was organised by the Phuket Red Cross Chapter in cooperation with the Phuket Regional Blood Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society (PRBC) under the global theme, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood Save Lives.”
The annual event is held worldwide on June 14 to thank blood donors for their contribution to saving lives and to promote regular blood donation.
Among those attending were government officials, representatives from public and private organisations, members of the Phuket Red Cross Chapter, blood donors and local media.
Phuket Governor Nirat thanked donors and supporting organisations for helping maintain adequate blood supplies for hospitals and patients in need.
“Every blood donor gives the gift of life to patients and those requiring urgent medical treatment without expecting anything in return”, Gov Nirat said.
“Blood donation not only helps save lives, but also reflects the spirit of kindness, sacrifice and cooperation within our society”, he added.
The ceremony included the presentation of plaques and certificates to individuals and organisations recognised for their long-term support of blood donation activities in Phuket.
Special recognition was also given to donors who had donated blood more than 100 and 200 times. This year’s highest-recognised donor was honoured for making 320 blood donations.
Speaking at the event, PRBC chief Porntip Ratchak noted that World Blood Donor Day is observed annually by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and other international blood organisations.
The date commemorates Austrian scientist Dr Karl Landsteiner, whose discovery of the ABO blood group system revolutionised blood transfusion medicine.
Ms Porntip said the event aimed to thank donors, encourage regular blood donation and strengthen cooperation among government agencies, private organisations and the public in addressing blood shortages.
In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees were able to donate blood and register as organ and eye donors.
The PRBC also continued its province-wide blood donation campaign from June 8-14 to encourage regular donations and strengthen blood reserves for hospitals across Phuket and the surrounding region.