Bangkok: Police officers from the Royal Project, in collaboration with highway police and Nakhon Ratchasima traffic police, successfully opened a route to transport the 181st heart to Ramathibodi Hospital. This mission was conducted early this morning to ensure the heart reached its destination swiftly for a life-saving transplant procedure.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nithithorn Chintakanon, Commander of the Police Education Division and head of the Traffic Police Image Enhancement Working Group at the Traffic Management Center, Royal Thai Police (TMC-RTP), stated that the operation was part of a larger initiative in honor of His Majesty the King's birthday on July 28, 2026. The Royal Thai Police expressed profound gratitude for His Majesty's benevolence and adopted His Majesty's aspirations of alleviating suffering and promoting well-being as guidelines in their duties. The officers are committed to performing duties that benefit the public, particularly in life-saving missions such as organ transportation.
The transportation of the heart took place at 4:00 AM, with traffic police working closely with highway police, Nakhon Ratchasima provincial traffic police, and other agencies to facilitate smooth traffic flow. The heart was transported from Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital to Ramathibodi Hospital, covering a distance of 259 kilometers in just 1 hour and 57 minutes. This was achieved with the cooperation of motorists who helped clear the way for the ambulance and transport convoy. Normally, such a journey would take approximately 3.5 hours, but the timely arrival was crucial for the viability of the heart and the success of the transplant.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nithithorn highlighted the importance of time in organ transportation missions, noting that a heart remains viable for about four hours. The success of this mission was attributed to the coordinated efforts of all involved agencies and the public's cooperation. The mission was a tribute to His Majesty the King, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Nithithorn extended gratitude to citizens who helped by clearing the way, emphasizing that every second saved is vital for saving lives and providing hope to organ transplant patients.