Hemoglobin E (Hb E) is the most common hemoglobinopathy
among Southeast Asian population. Significant numbers of Hb E are
also found in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The overall prevalence
of Hb E in Thailand is about 20–30%, with the highest frequency of
about 50% observed in northeastern Thai population [1,2]. The βE
chain is synthesized at a reduced rate as compared to βA chain because
the βE mutation (β26; GAG-AAG) creates an abnormal splicing
within the exon 1 of the β-globin gene [3].