History of National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society

The National Blood Centre was established following the 17th International Red Cross Conference held in Stockholm, Sweden, which resolved that each national Red Cross society should set up a blood service. The guiding principle was that “blood donors should come with goodwill, without seeking any rewards or expecting returns.”

In 1952, Thailand established a blood service department within the Science Division of the Thai Red Cross Society to respond to the International Red Cross. This developed into the “National Blood Centre,” which was graciously inaugurated by His Late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, who officially opened the “Rangsit Memorial Building” for blood services in 1953. On October 13, 1969, the King inaugurated the “National Blood Centre Building” to serve as the new blood service facility, marking a significant and auspicious event for the organization. Thus, October 13 is celebrated annually as the founding day of the National Blood Centre.

On March 25, 2009, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross Society, presided over the opening ceremony of the Queen’s Honor Building, which continues to serve as the operational base for the National Blood Centre to this day.

Over 55 years of operation, the National Blood Centre has provided blood services to enhance the quality of life for the public in medical and health aspects, adhering to a customer-centered policy that includes blood donors, patients, and hospitals needing blood for treatment. The operational principles are as follows:

Quality Donated blood must meet the highest standards of quality and safety for patients, supported by continuous academic, research, and innovation developments for effective blood and blood component services. This includes modern blood testing laboratories, blood bag production facilities, blood typing reagent production, and a variety of blood products.

Accountability The centre is committed to providing quality blood services that are sufficient and timely to meet national demands throughout the year. The organization continuously develops itself as a reliable reference for blood services in the country, utilizing new innovations to enhance various technologies, including research for academic excellence and proactive campaigns to recruit blood donors. It has established 12 Regional Blood Centres across major provinces to provide comprehensive and standardized blood services.

Caring Building virtues within the organization, such as quality, responsibility, and caring, is crucial to ensure personnel act according to ethical standards and governance, which is the Red Cross culture. This foundation fosters a happy work environment, positive attitudes, and effective collaboration across the organization, creating a pleasant workplace and leading to successful operations.