Health Bangkok Expands Organ Donation Registration to District Offices

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has urged residents of the capital to register as organ donors, declaring: “Our bodies are not truly ours. In death, they can give new life to others.”

 

The campaign, launched in partnership with the Thai Red Cross Society, will see all 50 district offices in Bangkok offering organ donation registration services by the end of 2025. Currently, 35 districts have joined the scheme.

 

Speaking at City Hall on 19 August, Mr Chadchart joined senior Red Cross officials, including Klin Sarasin, a member of the Thai Red Cross Council, and Associate Professor Dr Supanit Niwatawong, acting director of the Red Cross Organ Donation Centre.

 

Thailand faces a critical shortage of donated organs. As of this year, 7,486 patients are on waiting lists, yet only 946 transplants were performed in 2024, supported by 436 deceased donors. Some 166 patients died while awaiting transplants, the equivalent of three deaths each week.

 

Although more than 1.7 million people nationwide have registered as potential donors during their lifetimes, officials say far greater public awareness is needed.

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will display donation information at district offices, add a donor declaration option to ID card applications and screen short educational films while residents wait for services. The initiative also links with the Ministry of Interior’s ID card system, where donor preferences are stored on the national database.

 

Mr Chadchart stressed that cultural misconceptions remain a barrier. “Many still fear that donating organs will affect them in the next life. In truth, the body is cremated after death, while donation can save lives and bring immense good,” he said.

 

Red Cross officials praised the collaboration with Bangkok authorities, volunteers and district staff, describing it as an important step in reducing preventable deaths. Members of the public are being urged to consider registering as donors of organs and eyes.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-20