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The Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Centre launched its Halloween blood donation campaign on October 26 running through October 31 to sustain stocks for medical treatment nationwide. Associate Professor Dr Dujjai Chaiwanichsiri, director of the National Blood Centre, explained that the event invites healthy people to wear fantasy ghost costumes while donating and to post photos on social media using the hashtag for the activity. The drive operates at the main centre in Bangkok, eight fixed donation stations, 12 regional blood centres and Thammasat University Hospital, with special “Halloween Give Blood Now” T-shirts available on the final day while supplies last, according to the centre’s official announcement.
A video published by BBC News showed Thai Red Cross workers dressed in Halloween costumes interacting with donors at the Bangkok facility as part of the themed event. The BBC report added that the charity distributed free shirts and projected participation would more than double compared with an ordinary Saturday. Matichon quoted Chaiwanichsiri saying the festival offers an opportunity to combine celebration with the noble act of blood donation to help patients.
Thai Enquirer reported that the Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Centre is using the campaign to encourage regular donations every three months in order to maintain adequate supplies for patients. Coverage from The Thaiger on similar past events indicated that Halloween-themed drives in provinces such as Nakhon Ratchasima have helped ease severe shortages affecting multiple areas including Chaiyaphum, Buriram and Surin. The current initiative features spooky decorations and staff in ghost attire to create an engaging atmosphere at all participating sites.
Chaiwanichsiri stated in materials distributed by the National Blood Centre that this Halloween invites people to dress as ghosts to the fullest and then stop at the act of giving because every bag of blood has meaning and may provide a vital opportunity to extend patients’ lives. The director noted that the fun setting helps reduce any hesitation donors might feel about the process. Health personnel at each location conduct screenings to confirm participants meet all medical requirements before they proceed with donation.
Thai PBS World reported that the Thai Red Cross Society is also prompting donors to share costumed images online to inspire wider involvement in what it terms the Halloween Blood Party. The society has arranged additional incentives at the main Bangkok centre including limited donuts supplied by Central Group for participants. Officials have reminded attendees to rest adequately, drink water and avoid fatty foods, alcohol or smoking in the hours before arriving.
Reports from the National Blood Centre indicate the event builds on previous years’ themed activities that successfully increased collections during periods when supplies typically dip. Chaiwanichsiri has consistently highlighted that voluntary donations form the foundation of the country’s blood system and that regular participation remains essential beyond seasonal campaigns. The drive concludes on October 31 with the distribution of remaining souvenirs to qualifying donors at all listed venues.
