The Thai Red Cross is urging people to make donations to help with its considerable relief efforts. Mobile phone users, with either pre paid or post paid SIM cards, from any network within Thailand can donate money via SMS. Simply type “RC” in the message body and send to 452-0000 (no area code is needed). The cost is 10 Baht per message, and all proceeds go to the Thai Red Cross Society to help the disaster victims. SMS donations can be made from today until 31 January, 2005.
In addition, the National Blood Service Center of the Thai Red Cross has launched an appeal for blood donors, needing those from the O, A and Rh negative groups.  Approximately only one in 1000 Thais has Rh negative blood and the appeal for this group has been directed to visitors and foreign residents. On 27th December, the first day of the appeal, 3000 donors came to give blood. On the 28th 4000 came, including a number of visitors and foreign residents.

For those outside Thailand, wishing to make donations, may do so through the Thai Red Cross bank account: Thai Red Cross Current Account no. 045-3-04002-3, Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, Saphakachat Thai Branch, Henri Dunant Road, Bangkok 10330.  The Red Cross asks that a copy of the deposit slip be faxed to no. +66 2-252-7976.
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