Phuket Blood Donation Drive to Honour Queen Mother Sirikit

Vachira Phuket Hospital’s blood bank and Limelight Phuket shopping centre are organising a special blood donation drive to honour Queen Mother Sirikit on the first anniversary of her death.

The wife of King Rama IX passed away on October 24, 2025. Thailand remains in an official period of mourning, with the cremation ceremony for the widely revered Queen Mother scheduled for December.

The donation event will take place at Limelight Phuket on Saturday, October 24, from 10am to 6pm. A temporary blood collection station will be set up on the shopping centre’s second floor. Donors will receive commemorative T-shirts.

The initiative is also intended to recognise Queen Mother Sirikit’s longstanding contribution to the development of Thailand’s national blood donation services.

Queen Mother Sirikit’s legacy in blood donation

Organised blood donation in Thailand dates back to 1952, when the Thai Red Cross established its first dedicated blood service unit.

In November 1953, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit officially opened the Rangsit Memorial Building, which housed the blood service.

Queen Sirikit became president of the Thai Red Cross Society in August 1956 and held the position for almost seven decades, until her death. During her tenure, the organisation significantly expanded its operations and developed a nationwide network of blood services.

Blood donation campaigns also became a regular part of public life. Today, donations can be made at hospitals, regional Red Cross branches and hundreds of mobile collection sites operating at shopping centres, corporate offices, universities and other organisations.

Additional blood donation campaign on October 23

The Phuket Regional Blood Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society is also holding a separate commemorative donation campaign this week.

The event is scheduled for October 23, which marks the anniversary of the death of King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V.

Together, the initiatives provide opportunities for residents and visitors to donate blood while commemorating members of Thailand’s royal family and recognising the continuing importance of blood donation services.