On 23 April 2026, the Division of Legal and Corporate Communications and the Corporate Communication Division of Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Central Blood Bank, Faculty of Medicine, organised the 17th Mobile Blood Donation Drive at the Office of the President. The event, held at the first-floor lobby of the Sirikunakorn Building, saw continuous participation from administrators, personnel, and students. Its primary objective was to replenish the blood reserve at Srinagarind Hospital, ensuring sufficient supply for emergency cases and patients with chronic illnesses.

During this session, 41 individuals registered to donate. Out of these, 31 passed the screening criteria, resulting in a total collection of 12,400 cc of blood. Notably, four of the participants were first-time donors.

Ms. Thipsuda Chanut, a 29-year-old staff member from the Finance Division and a first-time donor, shared her story of determination to meet the donation criteria. She explained that her previous two or three attempts were unsuccessful due to insufficient rest and low blood concentration. This time, she planned her preparation diligently by sleeping for a full eight hours and eating breakfast.

“I was very intentional with my preparation this time. I slept from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to meet the required six-hour minimum and made sure to have breakfast to pass the screening,” Ms. Chanut said. “Initially, my blood pressure was too high, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to donate again. But after resting and drinking some water, I passed, and then I passed the blood test, which made me very happy. I was inspired to donate after listening to a podcast that highlighted how the blood supply is often insufficient for patients with kidney disease and other specific conditions, not just accident victims. I want to encourage everyone to try donating because it can save so many lives, and you get to experience the happiness of being a giver.”

Mr. Chaichan Lada, a 47-year-old staff member from the Corporate Communication Division and a regular donor, spoke about the benefits for consistent donors under the Thai Red Cross Society’s regulations. He noted that beyond the profound act of saving lives, regular donors are eligible for commemorative pins, the Red Cross Medal of Merit, and reduced medical expenses at hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health and the Thai Red Cross Society. Furthermore, donors who reach specific milestones, such as 20 or 40 donations, become eligible for Royal Decorations, which serve as an honour and a special privilege for those committed to maintaining their health for the benefit of others.

“I see blood donation as a long-term plan,” Mr. Lada explained. “If we are disciplined about donating every three months, we can donate four times a year. By doing this consistently until we reach milestones like 20 or 40 donations, we gain special privileges regarding medical care and the honour of receiving a Royal Decoration. It’s like a reward for those who consistently take care of their health, enabling them to provide quality blood to save the lives of others.”

Representing the international student community, Mr. Fitra Prasapawidya Purna, a doctoral student at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, stated that he was a regular blood donor in his home country of Indonesia. Upon learning about the donation drive at Khon Kaen University through KKU Mail, he was eager to participate and plans to continue donating every three months in line with the Thai Red Cross Society’s guidelines.

“I was a regular donor back in Indonesia, and I wanted to continue donating while studying in Thailand. My first donation here was in Bangkok, but when I saw the announcement in the KKU Mail, I was keen to join here,” he said. “I would like to invite fellow students who meet the weight requirement to take good care of their health and join me in donating blood here every three months.”

The mobile blood donation drive at the Office of the President is organised every three months. For information on the next event, please visit www.kku.ac.th or contact the Corporate Communication Division of Khon Kaen University at 043-202-204.  https://www.facebook.com/share/1GusLu55zx/