Last week, Royal Paragon Hall was transformed into a colourful shopping market for the 55th Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar that boasted a variety of quality products from more than 54 countries to raise funds for the Thai Red Cross Society.
It was a collaboration between the Thai Red Cross Society and spouses of diplomats to Thailand such as Madame Francesca Andreini Galanti, Madame Omneya Ahmed Mahmoud, Madame Datin Catherina Christine Cherrian and Madame María Ximena Ríos Hamann.
"This year, we continued the hybrid form of event and extended it to a longer period of four days which facilitated social-distancing practice and longer periods to join the fair. Visitors could also support the Thai Red Cross Society with the purchase of Thai Red Cross Diplomatic Fair lottery tickets or donate through the online platform," said Khan Prachuabmoh, director of fundraising bureau at the Thai Red Cross Society.
"Last year, a total of 8.5 million baht was raised and the organising committee has allocated the funds to many projects such as the project to help doctors build an emergency field hospital and medical equipment for Covid-19 patients at Chulalongkorn Hospital by the Thai Red Cross Society; and the Center of Excellence in mRNA Vaccine Research and Development at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine."
Under a concept of Happy Shopping and Enjoy Giving, this year's highlights included household goods from the US, rose soap and skincare products from Bulgaria, personal care products from Spain and pure argan oil from Morocco.
There were also cashmere tops, scarves and shawls from Mongolia, quality salmon from Norway, glassware from the Czech Republic as well as local handicrafts from Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Russian nesting dolls. At the same time, Thailand offered a collection of cosmetics and Otop products as well as merchandise from many royally-initiated projects.
Thailand Post also provided special delivery rates for fresh food, fruits and chocolate, which were delivered in temperature-controlled vehicles to preserve freshness.
