The Thai Red Cross Society invites you to donate blood to help people in need and help maintain the national blood reserve on May 8, the International Day of the Red Cross.

        The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was founded on the idea of Jean-Henri Dunant, who witnessed the sadness of soldiers who died on the battlefield while uncaring for. Henri Dunant has gathered volunteers such as doctors, nurses, and regular citizens to care for wounded soldiers from both sides, and it has become the Red Cross's mission to provide assistance to all without regard to race, nationality, or religion.

        The International Red Cross symbol is generally a red cross, but when it comes to establishing a Red Cross in a Muslim country where the symbol of the cross is contrary to religion, many Islamic countries use the red crescent instead, and the Red Crescent is used instead of the Red Cross.

        The Red Cross added the Red Crystal to a sign in 2005 that is free of any political, religious, or other connotation that might compromise the medical services of the armed forces as well as humanitarian personnel.

        The International Committee of the Red Cross chose May 8, Henri Dunant's birthday, as International Red Cross Day. For the year 2023, the Red Cross chose the theme #fromtheheart to convey every Red Cross activity that always comes with heart.

Story and illustrations: Ratchanok Thongkhawkham