BANGKOK: The annual ‘Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar’ that offers visitors a plethora of products from countries around the world has returned to Bangkok.
Under the concept of ‘Shop & Share’, a total of 176 booths from 55 countries will showcase their best and popular products featuring varieties from food to consumer goods, clothing, accessories to home wares and home furnishings at the Royal Paragon Hall at Siam Paragon in Bangkok starting today till Feb 28.
The bazaar will raise funds for underprivileged and Red Cross supported projects in Thailand. Online purchase is also available at www.DPCRedcrossBazaar.com.
The annual event is also part of an effort to spread the mission of the Thai Red Cross Society, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance, medical services, relief, blood services, and improving the quality of life for those who are impoverished, disadvantaged, or affected by disasters.
The four-day charity shopping fair is organised by Thai Red Cross Society, spouses of diplomat and embassies based in Thailand.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who is also the executive vice president of the Thai Red Cross Society graced the opening ceremony of the 56th Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar today.
Also present was chairperson of Diplomatic Participant Committee of 2023, who is also the wife of the Ambassador of Malaysia to Thailand, Datin Catherina Cherian Samuel, director of the Fundraising Bureau of the Thai Red Cross Society, Khan Prachuabmoh and member of the Diplomatic Participant Committee.
Catherina said the diplomatic community in Thailand are truly excited to do their part to help those in need by raising funds to improve the quality of life of the underprivileged.
“The annual diplomatic bazaar has a long history and we are happy this year’s event will continue our tradition of 56 years to raise fund.
“As a members of the diplomatic community in Thailand, it is an honour and privilege to be able to contribute to the host country.
“The fund raised from the bazaar go towards supporting health care institutions as well as improving the living conditions of communities in need. These include underprivileged children, the elderly as well as disabled people.
“This year, we hope to raise as much money as possible through selling of products as well as the Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar raffle tickets,” she told Bernama.
Catherina said the organising committee has raised about 9.09 million baht at last year’s Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar.
She said the funds among others will be channelled Excellence Centre for Burns of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn Centre of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease & Related Disorders, Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Centre.
She added the funds will also be channelled to underprivileged groups to undergo surgery for cleft lip, cleft palate and others deformities as well as cataract surgeries.
The Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar is also a platform to foster and strengthen cooperative relationships among the Thai Red Cross Society, diplomatic corps, diplomatic spouses, consulates, government agencies, the business sector, and organisations within the Thai Red Cross Society. – BERNAMA
