Purima Rungthongkumkul donated her vital organs after being declared brain dead during a vacation in Korea. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jul. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – A 35-year-old Thai woman became a beacon of hope for five South Koreans, donating her vital organs after being declared brain dead during a vacation in Korea.
The Korea Organ Donation Agency announced on July 10 that Purima Rungthongkumkul, while on holiday with a friend, suddenly lost consciousness on June 27. Despite medical efforts, she was ultimately declared brain dead at Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital in Busan.
In a poignant decision, Rungthongkumkul’s family, who rushed to Korea upon hearing the news, chose to honor what they believed would have been her wish – to perform a final act of kindness. On July 5, her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys were donated, giving a new lease on life to five individuals.
The family explained that in Thailand, where belief in reincarnation is common, saving lives as one departs this world is considered the greatest act of merit.
Born as the second of four siblings in Bangkok, Rungthongkumkul was remembered as a perpetually bright presence, known for spreading happiness and positivity to those around her. She worked as a hair designer in Bangkok and aspired to become a world-renowned stylist.
In a heartfelt farewell, Rungthongkumkul’s mother said, “You were always the best in our lives. It’s time for you to rest peacefully now. Don’t worry about anything else and rest easy in heaven. We will always think of you and love you deep in our hearts.”
The Korea Organ Donation Agency reported that Rungthongkumkul is the fourth foreign national to become a brain-dead organ donor in South Korea this year. The number of foreign organ donors in recent years has been consistent, with seven in 2019, eight in 2020, and seven each year from 2021 to 2023.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
