Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched an initiative inviting the public to donate old desk calendars, which will be converted into Braille materials for the visually impaired. This effort, officially titled “Old Calendars, We Want Them” (Year 5), aims to enhance the educational opportunities for visually impaired individuals by transforming these calendars into valuable teaching resources.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekavaranyu Amrapal, spokesperson for the BMA, announced that the Environmental Department is spearheading this campaign in collaboration with the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. The public is encouraged to contribute to this cause from now until January 31, 2026, by delivering their old calendars to designated collection points at Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha), Phra Nakhon District; Bangkok City Hall 2 (Din Daeng); and all 50 district offices.
The BMA spokesperson emphasized that the campaign not only serves a charitable purpose but also promotes environmental consciousness by encouraging waste sorting and resource maximization, ultimately aiding in the fight against global warming. Since its inception in 2021, the campaign has successfully gathered and repurposed old desk calendars into Braille books, thus facilitating greater educational access for the visually impaired. In 2025 alone, the BMA collected 198,142 calendars, which, when repurposed, reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 16,111.2 kilograms, comparable to planting 12,900 trees.
Those interested in participating can donate their calendars at 53 designated locations throughout Bangkok, including Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha) and Bangkok City Hall 2 (Din Daeng), as well as at all district offices. Alternatively, donations can be mailed to the Center for Educational Technology for the Blind in Nonthaburi. The BMA’s Environmental Department is available for further inquiries at 0 2203 2936.