A blood donation event being hosted by the Consulate General of Thailand in HCM City on July 23. VNS Photo Thu Hằng

HCM CITY — The Thailand consulate in HCM City organised a blood donation event on July 23 to mark King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s birthday.

A total of 153 units of blood were donated by the Thai community living in the city and neighbouring areas and locals.

Speaking at the event, Wiraka Moodhitaporn, the Thai consul, said the blood donation was part of the consulate’s “good deeds from our hearts” (Việc tốt từ trái tim) programme in which the Thai and Vietnamese communities got together for community work.

“It is also part of activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the Việt Nam-Thailand Strategic Partnership.”

A bicycle parade to raise public awareness of the need for voluntary blood donation and a donation of VNĐ10 million (US$420) to thalassemia patients were organised by the consulate, Việt Nam Red Cross Society and the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Việt Nam on the same day.

Vũ Thanh Lưu, vice president of the Red Cross, said: “Blood donation by the Thai community … is a beautiful deed that can save lives.” —VNS

A bicycle parade to raise public awareness of the need for voluntary blood donation. Photo courtesy of the Thailand consulate in HCM City