Bangkok: The Thai Red Cross Society has extended an invitation to Buddhists to donate blood as a part of the observance of Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent in 2026, encouraging participation in this noble act of merit that contributes to saving lives.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Blood Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society is spearheading the initiative, inviting Buddhists to honor their faith and engage in significant merit-making by donating blood from July 29-31, 2026. This gesture of goodwill is intended to bring auspiciousness and merit to the lives of donors. Blood donations are welcomed at the National Blood Centre, seven fixed blood donation stations, twelve regional blood service centers, and national blood service hospitals across the nation.
Associate Professor Dr. Dujjai Chaiwanichsiri, Director of the National Blood Center, Thai Red Cross Society, elaborated on the significance of Asalha Puja Day. It commemorates three pivotal events in Buddhism: the introduction of Buddhist teachings, the arising of the first Arahant disciple, and the establishment of the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). Concurrently, Vassa, or Buddhist Lent, marks the start of a three-month period where monks commit to residing in their temples or designated spaces, adhering to the Buddhist precepts.
On these revered Buddhist festival days, followers traditionally engage in merit-making activities, which include offering alms to monks, donating to the Sangha, visiting temples for meditation and precept observance, and listening to sermons. Additionally, they commit to refraining from sin and abstaining from vices to accumulate merit and attract good fortune for themselves and their families.
The National Blood Centre is organizing the project "Making Great Merit by Donating Blood on Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent" to invite Buddhists to uphold Buddhist traditions and perform good deeds through blood donation. This selfless act is deemed a significant merit for the donor, as it represents a charitable act of self-sacrifice, offering one's blood with pure intentions to aid in saving the lives of those who are ill, without expecting anything in return.
Blood donations can be made at the following locations:
- National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society
- Seven fixed blood donation stations: Red Cross Station 11, Wiset Niyom, Bang Khae; The Mall Lifestyle Store branches in Bang Khae, Bang Kapi, Ngam Wong Wan, and Tha Phra; Emporium Shopping Center; and Baan Song Thai (Wong Sawang area).
- Twelve National Blood Service Centers: located in Lopburi, Chonburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat (Thung Song), Songkhla, and Phuket.
- National Blood Service Centers throughout the country.