Thai Red Cross Fair: A fair vibe in the heart of Bangkok

Mark your calendars because the Thai Red Cross Fair 2024 is back! This beloved event is taking place from December 11 to 22, and it will be Thailand’s largest charity fair, blending the nostalgia of a traditional temple fair with a lively celebration for a good cause. Held at Lumpini Park, it honours His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday while raising funds for the Thai Red Cross Society. Entry is free, and there’s something for everyone.

Event Details

Dates: December 11 to 22, 2024
Hours: 11am to 10pm
Venue: Lumphini Park, Bangkok
Entry: Free admission

Red Cross Fair map

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Historical significance

The Thai Red Cross Society: A legacy of compassion and progress

The Thai Red Cross Society’s story began in 1893, amidst the Franco-Siamese territorial disputes. Recognising the need for organised aid for military casualties, Lady Plien Pasakornravongs spearheaded its establishment. With King Chulalongkorn’s royal approval and an initial fund of 443,716 baht, the organisation was founded as the Red Unalom Society (สภาอุณาโลมแดง).

Early milestones

• 1920: Recognised internationally by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
• 1923: Hosted the first Red Cross Fair during King Rama VI’s reign.
• Renaming: Transitioned from the Red Unalom Society to the Siam Red Cross Society, and eventually to the Thai Red Cross Society.

Government collaboration

The society operates as an independent entity but works closely with the government:

• The Council of Ministers oversees its activities.
• Receives government funding to support operations.
• Presidential appointments require royal approval with ministerial consent.

National impact

What began as wartime aid has evolved into a comprehensive humanitarian institution. The Thai Red Cross Society now provides:

• Healthcare: Through facilities like Chulalongkorn Hospital.
• Blood bank services and immunisation programmes: Ensuring medical needs are met nationwide.
• Disaster response: Addressing both domestic and international crises.
• Provincial coordination: Collaborating with local chapters for wide-reaching efforts.

The annual Red Cross Fair showcases this transformation. What started as a simple fundraiser is now Thailand’s largest charitable event, uniting government agencies, private organisations, and citizens in support of humanitarian causes.

Through its storied history, the Thai Red Cross Society remains a symbol of resilience and compassion, dedicated to improving lives across Thailand and beyond.

What’s happening at the fair?

Think of the Thai Red Cross Fair as a supercharged temple fair, complete with the classic fun you’d find in smaller towns but on a bigger scale. Here’s what to look forward to:

Endless fun

Step into a carnival atmosphere filled with exciting games and activities. You can try your luck with balloon-popping (ปาลูกโป่ง) or lucky ball draws (ลูกบอลจับฉลาก), classic temple fair games that might send you home with cuddly toys, home appliances, or even a motorcycle or top-notch electronics!

For 50 or 60 baht each turn, you can take some 10 shots at the army booth with their laser-simulated Glocks or you could head over to the Police SWAT team booth and attempt to take 10 shots with an airsoft gun at a distant and small target. You can win prizes if your aim is true.

Want even more fun? Check out the daily raffles and interactive activities at charity booths. It’s all about fun and goodwill, with every baht going towards supporting a great cause.

Interactive activities at charity booths

Explore various booths offering fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages:

DDPM booth activities:

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is bringing important life-saving skills to booth 3.17 this year. They’re also running a range of hands-on activities, including:

• Simulate firefighting and learn fire safety in a hands-on, controlled environment.
• Participate in an earthquake preparedness simulation to learn response strategies.
• Get life-saving CPR training from experienced professionals.

These activities aim to educate children on disaster preparedness and emergency response in a fun and engaging way.

Red Cross Tent highlights:

At booth 1.1–11.7, the Thai Red Cross Society is shining a spotlight on their humanitarian work. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Discover the humanitarian initiatives of the Thai Red Cross Society and their efforts to assist vulnerable communities.
• Support their mission by purchasing medical equipment and supplies, with proceeds going to charitable causes.

This booth is an excellent opportunity to learn about the Thai Red Cross Society’s critical work while contributing to their cause.

Blood donation: Save lives, make a difference

One of the highlights of this year’s fair is the blood donation station organized by the Thai Red Cross Society. Located at Lumpini Park, the station operates during the fair’s hours, from December 11 to 22, 2024, between 11am and 10pm.

Visitors have the opportunity to donate blood, a process that typically takes about 15 minutes, collecting 350–450cc of blood depending on donor weight. This initiative is part of the Thai Red Cross Society’s mission to support healthcare and save lives through its Blood Transfusion Services.

Donors are encouraged to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria:

• Getting sufficient rest (at least 5 hours of quality sleep)
• Maintaining good health
• Avoid taking certain medications during the donation period.
• Avoiding fatty foods beforehand
• Refrain from smoking for 1 hour before and after donating
• Avoiding alcohol for 24 hours prior to donation

For detailed guidance, the station’s location is opposite the Public Library in Lumpini Park at booth 1.3, accessible from Gate 4 on Ratchadamri Road.

Shopping and food

Food and shopping are major highlights of the fair. With over 100 booths showcasing local goods, royal project products, and handmade crafts, there’s plenty to browse. Keep an eye out for traditional Thai garments featured in live fashion shows, plus limited-edition fair merchandise.

If you’re visiting the fair, here are some standout snacks and desserts you shouldn’t miss:

Foods:

• Crab jujube (Hoi Jo)
  These crab-shaped cakes are a nod to Southern Chinese traditions. This year, the famous Yaowarat vendor is making an appearance, so grab a bite while you can!
• Yaowarat fishballs
  Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and paired with a savoury special sauce. These fishballs are worth every bite.
• Baozi (Chinese buns)
  Typically steamed, these buns are getting a roasted twist at the fair. With various fillings to choose from, they’re a must on your foodie list.
• Kung Chae Nampla
  This dish combines raw shrimp soaked in fish sauce, fried shallots, and a zesty seafood dip. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

Desserts:

• Bottle Ovaltine
  This fair favourite never disappoints! Last year’s nostalgic version with crunchy toppings in a limited-edition cup was a hit. This year, they’re serving Ovaltine mousse drinks in adorable reusable cups, perfect for sipping and collecting!
• Bua Loi
  Sweet, chewy rice balls swimming in creamy coconut milk. This Thai dessert is a crowd-pleaser you have to try.
• Khanom Babin
  Think Thai-style pancakes with a coconut filling! Made with young coconut, rice flour, and egg, some booths even offer unique fillings you won’t find elsewhere.
• Moo Daeng’s ice cream
  This shop from Amphawa is famous for quirky Thai-inspired flavours. Their standout? A Moo Deng special flavour, a chocolate infused with sweet stewed pork, topped with Moo Deng pudding. Only available at this fair!
• Suan Dusit University bakery
  Grab something for yourself or as a gift. Their toffee cake is the star: a soft, coffee-flavoured base with a thick caramel and nut topping.

Entertainment and cultural showcase

Get ready for an exciting lineup of performances and cultural displays that’ll keep you entertained throughout the fair. From traditional Thai dances to puppet shows, there’s something for everyone. Each evening features live stage acts, including Thai classical music, drama, and collaborative performances from renowned institutions like Bunditpatanasilpa Institute and Silpakorn University.

Don’t miss the special highlights, such as cultural exhibitions by local communities and fashion shows featuring traditional Thai garments. Whether you’re watching a puppet performance of the Ramakien or enjoying the vibrant energy of KU BAND’s music, every performance celebrates Thailand’s rich heritage in a truly immersive way.

Here are the scheduled performances from December 18, 2024 onwards:

Date	Time	Performance Type	Performers
Dec 18	5 to 6pm	Cultural arts	Wat Ratchanatda & Wat Phra Chetuphon
	6 to 7pm	Thai classical	Nang Hongsa
	7 to 7.30pm	Film/Drama	Radio Thailand
	7.30 to 9.30pm	Graduate performance	Bunditpatanasilpa Institute
Dec 19	5.00 to 6.00pm	Thai classical arts	Srinakharinwirot University
	6 to 6.30pm	Cultural performance	Volunteer Spirit Development
	6.30 to 7.00pm	Puppet show	Ramakien Episode 9
	7 to 7.30pm	Mini-series	Radio Thailand
	7.30 to 9.30pm	Graduate performance	Faculty of Fine Arts
Dec 20	5 to 6pm	Performance	Rajabhat Universities
	6 to 7pm	Cultural show	Thepsirin & Suansunandha
	7 to 7.30pm	Mini-series	Radio Thailand
	7.30 to 9.30pm	Musical collaboration	Wang Na Theatre & Silpakorn
Dec 21	5 to 5.30pm	Thai classical	Ban Plainoen
	5.30 to 7pm	KU BAND	Kasetsart University
	7.00 to 7.30pm	Series/drama	Radio Thailand
	7.30 to 9.30pm	Musical arts	Rajabhat Chiangsan University
Dec 22	5 to 5.30pm	Thai music	‘Thai music never loses its charm’
	5.30 to 7.00pm	Musical show	Kasetsart University
	7 to 7.30pm	Thai series	Radio Thailand
	7.30 to 8.30pm	Dance performance	Dance Me Up
	8.30 to 9.30pm	Cultural show	Wat Ratchanatdaram & Wat Ratchabopit
	9.30 to 10.30pm	Royal performance	Rangsit University

How to get to the Red Cross Fair

The fair’s location at Lumpini Park is easily accessible via multiple transportation options.

BTS:

• Saladaeng Station (Exit 6)
• Ratchadamri Station (Exit 4)

MRT:

• Silom Station (Exit 1)
• Lumpini Station (Exit 3)

By Bus:

Routes available: 4, 13, 45, 47, 50, 62, 74, 76, 77, 141, 504, 505, 514, 547, and A3

Other transport options:

• Free shuttles every 30 minutes from National Stadium and Benchakitti Forest Park.
• Parking is available at Silom Edge for 40 baht per hour.

Tips for Visitors

• Bring cash as some vendors may not accept cards.
• Don’t miss the local food stalls; some dishes are hard to find elsewhere in Bangkok.
• Stay hydrated and pack a small foldable fan as it can get hot some days.
• Join the lucky draw booths for a shot at big prizes.

If you’re planning to grab the famous Ovaltine, here’s a tip: secure your spot through the QueQ app to avoid the crowd. There are five Ovaltine booths, so you can choose the one most convenient for you.

• Booth 1: Near Gate 2, close to the Thai-Italian Friendship Memorial.
• Booth 2: MRT Lumpini, Exit 3.
• Booth 4: Activity area.
• Booth 5: Gate 1, near Suan Lumphini School.
• Booth 3: Reserved for app queue only!

Online Option:

If you can’t attend in person, you can shop and support the fair virtually at www.iredcross.org, available 24/7.

Visit the Red Cross Fair as soon as you can, there are only a few days left!

FAQs about Red Cross Fair

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