Galyani Vadhana, Princess of
Naradhiwas ( th, กัลยาณิวัฒนา; ; 6 May 1923 – 2 January 2008) was a princess of
Thailand
Thailand ( ), historically known as Siam () and officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, spanning , with a population of almost 70 million. The country is b ...
and the elder sister of King
Ananda Mahidol
Ananda Mahidol ( th, พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรมหาอานันทมหิดล; ; 20 September 1925 – 9 June 1946), posthumous reigning title Phra Athamaramathibodin ( th, พระอั� ...
(Rama VIII) and King
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej ( th, ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช; ; ; ( Sanskrit: ''bhūmi·bala atulya·teja'' - "might of the land, unparalleled brilliance"); 5 December 192713 October 2016), conferred with the title King Bhumibol the Grea ...
(Rama IX). She was also a direct granddaughter of
King Chulalongkorn
Chulalongkorn ( th, จุฬาลงกรณ์, 20 September 1853 – 23 October 1910) was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, titled Rama V. He was known to the Siamese of his time as ''Phra Phuttha Chao Luang'' (พร� ...
(Rama V), and aunt of King
Vajiralongkorn
Vajiralongkorn ( th, วชิราลงกรณ; , ; born 28 July 1952) is the King of Thailand. He is the only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. In 1972, at the age of 20, he was made crown prince by his father. After his ...
(Rama X).
Biography
Early life
Vadhana was born on 6 May 1923 in London, England, the only daughter of
Prince Mahidol Adulyadej of Songkla, the 69th son of
King Chulalongkorn
Chulalongkorn ( th, จุฬาลงกรณ์, 20 September 1853 – 23 October 1910) was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, titled Rama V. He was known to the Siamese of his time as ''Phra Phuttha Chao Luang'' (พร� ...
(
Rama V
Chulalongkorn ( th, จุฬาลงกรณ์, 20 September 1853 – 23 October 1910) was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, titled Rama V. He was known to the Siamese of his time as ''Phra Phuttha Chao Luang'' (พร� ...
) and seventh son by
Queen Savang Vadhana
Queen or QUEEN may refer to:
Monarchy
* Queen regnant, a female monarch of a Kingdom
** List of queens regnant
* Queen consort, the wife of a reigning king
* Queen dowager, the widow of a king
* Queen mother, a queen dowager who is the mo ...
, and Sangwan Talapat (later known as
Srinagarindra, Princess Mother). She was initially named May Songkla and later named Her Serene Highness Galyani Vadhana Mahidol by
King Vajiravudh
Vajiravudh ( th, วชิราวุธ, , 1 January 188126 November 1925) was the sixth monarch of Siam under the Chakri dynasty as Rama VI. He ruled from 23 October 1910 until his death in 1925. King Vajiravudh is best known for his effor ...
(
Rama VI
Vajiravudh ( th, วชิราวุธ, , 1 January 188126 November 1925) was the sixth monarch of Siam under the Chakri dynasty as Rama VI. He ruled from 23 October 1910 until his death in 1925. King Vajiravudh is best known for his efforts ...
). The word "Vadhana" in her name came from her paternal grandmother, Savang Vadhana. In 1927,
King Prajadhipok
Prajadhipok ( th, ประชาธิปก, RTGS: ''Prachathipok'', 8 November 1893 – 30 May 1941), also Rama VII, was the seventh monarch of Siam of the Chakri dynasty. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to political and ...
(
Rama VII
Prajadhipok ( th, ประชาธิปก, RTGS: ''Prachathipok'', 8 November 1893 – 30 May 1941), also Rama VII, was the seventh monarch of Siam of the Chakri dynasty. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to political and ...
) promoted her to the royal rank of Princess of Thailand (''Her Highness'').
Education
In 1935, Vadhana attended a secondary school for girls named Ecole Superieure des Jeunes Filles de la Ville de Lausanne.
In 1938, she attended the
International School of Geneva
The International School of Geneva (in French: ''Ecole Internationale de Genève''), also known as "Ecolint" or "The International School", is a private, non-profit international school based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Founded in 1924 in the servic ...
, a boarding school not far from
Lausanne
, neighboring_municipalities= Bottens, Bretigny-sur-Morrens, Chavannes-près-Renens, Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Crissier, Cugy, Écublens, Épalinges, Évian-les-Bains (FR-74), Froideville, Jouxtens-Mézery, Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Lugrin (FR ...
. She was an excellent student, and eventually came first of her school at the final exam and third in all Switzerland.
In 1942, Vadhana continued her studies in chemistry at the
University of Lausanne
The University of Lausanne (UNIL; french: links=no, Université de Lausanne) in Lausanne, Switzerland was founded in 1537 as a school of Protestant theology, before being made a university in 1890. The university is the second oldest in Switzer ...
. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry in 1948. While pursuing her degree, she also studied social science and education for a Diplome de Sciences Sociales Pedagogiques, involving teacher education, literature, philosophy, and psychology.
Marriage
In 1944, Vadhana renounced her royal status in order to marry
Colonel
Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations.
In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge ...
Aram Rattanakul Serireongrit (24 August 1920 – 3 February 1982), the son of General Luang Serireongrit (
Charun Rattanakun Seriroengrit
General Charun Rattanakun Seriroengrit (''Luang'' Seriroengrit) ( th, จรูญ รัตนกุล เสรีเริงฤทธิ์), ; October 27, 1895 – July 19, 1983) was a Thai army officer, civil servant and politician. He w ...
), a former Army commander-in-chief who led the invasion of the
Shan States
The Shan States (1885–1948) were a collection of minor Shan kingdoms called '' muang'' whose rulers bore the title ''saopha'' in British Burma. They were analogous to the princely states of British India.
The term "Shan States" was fi ...
during World War II. They had a daughter,
Thanpuying Dhasanawalaya Ratanakul Serireongrit (later Sornsongkram) (born in 1945 in
Switzerland
). Swiss law does not designate a ''capital'' as such, but the federal parliament and government are installed in Bern, while other federal institutions, such as the federal courts, are in other cities (Bellinzona, Lausanne, Luzern, Neuchâtel ...
). This marriage ended in divorce. In 1950, when her youngest brother ascended to the throne, he reinstated Vadhana's royal status.
In 1969, Vadhana married Prince
Varananda Dhavaj
Prince Varananda Dhavaj ( th, พระวรวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้าวรานนท์ธวัช; ), born Prince Varananda Dhavaj Chudadhuj ( th, วรานนท์ธวัช จุฑาธุช; ; Aug ...
(19 August 1922 – 15 September 1990), son of
Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok, Prince of Bejraburna and Mom Ravi Kayananda. They had no children.
Royal title
On 6 May 1995, Vadhana's 72nd birthday, her brother
King Bhumibol
Bhumibol Adulyadej ( th, ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช; ; ; (Sanskrit: ''bhūmi·bala atulya·teja'' - "might of the land, unparalleled brilliance"); 5 December 192713 October 2016), conferred with the title King Bhumibol the Great ...
gave her the noble title "Kromma Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra" (loosely translated, ''Princess of
Naradhiwas''), making her the only female member of the Chakri royal family to have been bestowed this title during Bhumibol's reign. In announcing the honour, Bhumibol said, "the Princess, who was his only sister, had shared the joys and sorrows of life since their early years and was the most highly respected in that she had always given him support. Furthermore, it is a well-known fact that she has been steadfast in her devotion to the King in order that He would enjoy grace and glory." She had represented Bhumibol in carrying out various royal duties and taken good care of their mother, which was a great relief to him.
Royal projects
Vadhana's royal patronage projects included traditional
Thai art
Traditional Thai art is primarily composed of Buddhist art and scenes from the Indian epics. Traditional Thai sculpture almost exclusively depicts images of the Buddha, being very similar with the other styles from Southeast Asia, such as Khmer ...
s, education, sports, and
social welfare
Welfare, or commonly social welfare, is a type of government support intended to ensure that members of a society can meet basic human needs such as food and shelter. Social security may either be synonymous with welfare, or refer specifical ...
. She was president or honorary president of various organisations and foundations, including the Cardiac Children's Foundation, the Princess Mother's Charity Fund, and the
Autistic
The autism spectrum, often referred to as just autism or in the context of a professional diagnosis autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental condition (or conditions) characterized by difficulti ...
Foundation of Thailand. She created her own foundation for funding the studies of young, gifted musicians.
She was a
patron
Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists su ...
of various classical music foundations. On her trips, she always gathered important and useful information shown in the royal news, giving knowledge to people. She also wrote books, poetry, and spoke French. She traveled widely within Thailand and abroad to represent the royal family and her country on missions.
Health issues
Vadhana was admitted to
Siriraj Hospital
Siriraj Hospital ( th, โรงพยาบาลศิริราช; ) is the oldest and largest hospital in Thailand. It is in Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Thammasat University's Tha Phrachan campus. It is the ...
in June 2007, suffering from abdominal pains. The doctors found she had cancer, and she remained in the hospital for treatment. In October 2007, doctors reported that Vadhana had suffered an
infarction
Infarction is tissue death ( necrosis) due to inadequate blood supply to the affected area. It may be caused by artery blockages, rupture, mechanical compression, or vasoconstriction. The resulting lesion is referred to as an infarct
(from th ...
on the left side of her brain as a result of
occlusion
Occlusion may refer to:
Health and fitness
* Occlusion (dentistry), the manner in which the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed
* Occlusion miliaria, a skin condition
* Occlusive dressing, an air- and water-tight trauma ...
of a
cerebral artery
The cerebral arteries describe three main pairs of arteries and their branches, which perfuse the cerebrum of the brain.
The three main arteries are the:
* ''Anterior cerebral artery'' (ACA)
* ''Middle cerebral artery'' (MCA)
* ''Posterior cere ...
.
At the same time in October, King Bhumibol was treated at Siriraj after experiencing weakness on his right side; doctors later found that he had a blood shortage to his brain. He was admitted on 13 October and discharged on 7 November. After leaving Siriraj, he visited Vadhana at the hospital almost daily.
On 14 December, the Royal Household Bureau released its 25th statement about Vadhana's health, saying she was feeling increasingly tired and was becoming less responsive.
Death
On 2 January 2008, the Royal Household Bureau announced that Vadhana's condition had worsened during the night of 1 January and she had died at 02:54 on 2 January, at
Siriraj Hospital
Siriraj Hospital ( th, โรงพยาบาลศิริราช; ) is the oldest and largest hospital in Thailand. It is in Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Thammasat University's Tha Phrachan campus. It is the ...
in
Bangkok
Bangkok, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estimated populati ...
, Thailand, aged 84. There was to be a mourning period of 100 days starting from the day of her death. The prime minister announced that all government officials and agencies would wear black for 15 days while the cabinet would wear black for 100 days.
Funeral
The 300 million-
baht
The baht (; th, บาท, ; sign: ฿; code: THB) is the official currency of Thailand. It is divided into 100 ''satang'' (, ). The issuance of currency is the responsibility of the Bank of Thailand. SWIFT ranked the Thai baht as the 10th-m ...
($10 million, £7.1 million) funeral was the first full
royal funeral since 1995, when the king's mother
Srinagarindra
Princess Srinagarindra ( th, ศรีนครินทรา; ; 21 October 1900 – 18 July 1995) née Sangwan Talapat ( th, สังวาลย์ ตะละภัฏ; ) was a member of the Royal Thai Family and the House of Mahidol, whi ...
was cremated. The six-day ceremony and
ritual
A ritual is a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, actions, or objects, performed according to a set sequence. Rituals may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community. Rituals are characterized ...
started on 14 November 2008 at the
Grand Palace
The Grand Palace ( th, พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Royal Institute of Thailand. (2011). ''How to read and how to write.'' (20th Edition). Bangkok: Royal Institute of Thailand. .) is a complex of buildings at the heart of Ba ...
and ended on 19 November when Vadhana's ashes were transferred to the Rangsi Vadhana Memorial, Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram.
On 15 November, there were three processions from the royal throne hall, where she had lain in state for ten months, comprising 3,294 soldiers, flanked by
conch
Conch () is a common name of a number of different medium-to-large-sized sea snails. Conch shells typically have a high spire and a noticeable siphonal canal (in other words, the shell comes to a noticeable point at both ends).
In North Am ...
shell-blowers, drummers, and musicians. Two of the processions involved the ''Phra Yannamat Sam Lam Khan'' (''golden
palanquin
The litter is a class of wheelless vehicles, a type of human-powered transport, for the transport of people. Smaller litters may take the form of open chairs or beds carried by two or more carriers, some being enclosed for protection from the el ...
with three poles''), an 18th-century seven-tonne palanquin carried by 60 men. The two-century-old
sandalwood
Sandalwood is a class of woods from trees in the genus '' Santalum''. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and, unlike many other aromatic woods, they retain their fragrance for decades. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the woods for ...
golden
teak
Teak (''Tectona grandis'') is a tropical hardwood tree species in the family Lamiaceae. It is a large, deciduous tree that occurs in mixed hardwood forests. ''Tectona grandis'' has small, fragrant white flowers arranged in dense clusters ( pan ...
urn held Vadhana's body seated upright atop an elaborately decorated 14-tonne golden carriage.
Both dressed in white ceremonial dress,
the Crown Prince and Prime Minister
Somchai Wongsawat
Somchai Wongsawat ( th, สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์, ; born 31 August 1947) is a Thai politician who was the prime minister of Thailand in 2008 and a former executive member of the People's Power Party (PPP) whose polit ...
took part in the procession on
Sanam Luang
Sanam Luang ( th, สนามหลวง, ; lit: 'royal turf') is a open field and public square in front of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand. Sanam Luang is in the Phra Nakhon District, the historic center of Bangkok ...
parade ground. In
Uttaradit
The original name of Mueang district, Uttaradit, was Bang Pho. This district was under the control of Phi Chai District. Later, it was established as Uttaradit Province and Bang Pho District became the capital district. It was changed to Mueang ...
, black-dressed Thais flocked to the royally sponsored Wat Klong Poh in the provincial seat to place 400,000
sandalwood
Sandalwood is a class of woods from trees in the genus '' Santalum''. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and, unlike many other aromatic woods, they retain their fragrance for decades. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the woods for ...
flowers at the
crematorium
A crematorium or crematory is a venue for the cremation of the dead. Modern crematoria contain at least one cremator (also known as a crematory, retort or cremation chamber), a purpose-built furnace. In some countries a crematorium can also b ...
.
At 22:00 on 15 November, the king and Queen
Sirikit
Queen Sirikit ( th, สิริกิติ์; ; ); born '' Mom Rajawongse'' Sirikit Kitiyakara ( th, สิริกิติ์ กิติยากร; ; 12 August 1932) is the queen mother of Thailand. She was Queen of Thailand as the wi ...
, with the help of a
hydraulic tappet
A hydraulic tappet, also known as a hydraulic valve lifter or hydraulic lash adjuster, is a device for maintaining zero valve clearance in an internal combustion engine. Conventional solid valve lifters require regular adjusting to maintain a sma ...
, set alight a
funeral pyre
A pyre ( grc, πυρά; ''pyrá'', from , ''pyr'', "fire"), also known as a funeral pyre, is a structure, usually made of wood, for burning a body as part of a funeral rite or execution. As a form of cremation, a body is placed upon or under the ...
. The $5.7 m (£3.8 m) temporary royal
crematorium
A crematorium or crematory is a venue for the cremation of the dead. Modern crematoria contain at least one cremator (also known as a crematory, retort or cremation chamber), a purpose-built furnace. In some countries a crematorium can also b ...
, a complex of
pavilions
In architecture, ''pavilion'' has several meanings:
* It may be a subsidiary building that is either positioned separately or as an attachment to a main building. Often it is associated with pleasure. In palaces and traditional mansions of Asia ...
constructed on the Sanam Luang parade ground over seven months, had been decorated with flowers,
garland
A garland is a decorative braid, knot or wreath of flowers, leaves, or other material. Garlands can be worn on the head or around the neck, hung on an inanimate object, or laid in a place of cultural or religious importance.
Etymology
From the ...
s, and carved banana stalks. After the cremation, the funeral buildings were torn down. According to Hindu belief, Vadhana's spirit then returned home to
Mount Meru
Mount Meru (Sanskrit/Pali: मेरु), also known as Sumeru, Sineru or Mahāmeru, is the sacred five-peaked mountain of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology and is considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritu ...
, where all deities eternally live.
Interests
Books and writing
Vadhana liked reading and writing from an early age. While studying Prathom 1 to Prathom 3, she read as many Thai language books as she could find, but children's books in Thai were then rare she often read the newspaper. She remembered reading a book in French—the 1878 novel ''
Sans Famille''—while studying in Switzerland, which she later found again.
During Vadhana's secondary studies, especially in
Geneva
Geneva ( ; french: Genève ) frp, Genèva ; german: link=no, Genf ; it, Ginevra ; rm, Genevra is the second-most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich) and the most populous city of Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Situa ...
, she read a lot of literature. She found that reading developed her French language skills. Later, while a French teacher at
Thammasat University
Thammasat University ( Abrv: TU th, มธ.; th, มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์, , ) is a public research university in Thailand with campuses in Tha Phra Chan area of Phra Nakhon District near the Grand Pala ...
, she read many books on
linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. It is called a scientific study because it entails a comprehensive, systematic, objective, and precise analysis of all aspects of language, particularly its nature and structure. Ling ...
. She also studied art, culture, archaeology, and history for many years. When she planned to visit a foreign country, she would first read many books and documents about it.
When Vadhana was nine, she published a journal, ''Ruaen Rom'', containing articles she had written with her friends at Srapathum Palace. Her mother supported her in reading and writing English. On 10 September 1932, she published a story she had written. In addition, she wrote 11 poems about the royal family, translated three books, and wrote ten tourist guidebooks and an academic article.
Photography
Vadhana was interested in photography. She had learned to take photographs not only as souvenirs but also for art and academic purposes. When she visited important places at home or abroad, she always took photographs of those she found interesting, which were useful in her travel writings.
Music
Vadhana studied
Western art. She was interested in all types of music and drama, especially classical music by master composers. She began listening to classical music while studying in Switzerland. She had studied piano at home with her younger brothers, but only intermittently as she had very little time to practice. While doing her homework, she liked to listen to classical music on a radio.
In 2004, concerned about both the government's and the private sector's lack of interest in promoting classical music, Vadhana established a Fund for Classical Music Promotion, of which she became president. The fund supported classical music and related activities, provided assistance to Thai musicians to study, and promoted competitions and concerts in Thailand and internationally. She also supported the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and the Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra and was the patron of the Bangkok Opera.
Education
Vadhana was interested in all education, not only at universities. She believed that primary education is very important for developing the general population.
From her long experience in teaching French language, she realized the problem of interrupted French language study at mattayom (high school) and university level. In 1977 she formed ''L'Association Thailandaise des Professeurs de Francais'' (The Association of Thai Professors Teaching French Language) to act as the center for meeting and exchanging experiences of – and improving – the teaching of French language in mattayom and university classes. She was president of the association between 1977 and 1981, when she became its honorary president for the rest of her life. Her assistance to the association took many forms, including in publishing journals to distribute the latest knowledge, writing her own articles in journals, and supporting teachers'
seminars
A seminar is a form of academic instruction, either at an academic institution or offered by a commercial or professional organization. It has the function of bringing together small groups for recurring meetings, focusing each time on some par ...
, research abroad and study in higher education.
As a result of her continuous work in the teaching and research of the French language in Thailand, she was conferred many honorary doctorates and also honors from many foreign governments and international organizations, including
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international coope ...
.
Culture, archaeology, and history
Vadhana was interested in history and
archaeology
Archaeology or archeology is the scientific study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of artifacts, architecture, biofacts or ecofacts, sites, and cultural landsc ...
for many years. She thought these fields to be the foundations of other subjects and believed in applying reasoning to support historical ideas. She always said that her thoughts were not always correct and she would accept new data if supported by reason and evidences.
In performing her duties, she became interested in many important places, which she later visited by herself. She also led groups and associations on educational tours to many historic sites, and she advised fellow guides to emphasize education about the sites.
When visiting historical sites, she did not merely accept information given to her by the archaeologists, but she would research the sites beforehand, and deeply question experts about the site's restoration and excavation, and the impact on neighboring people of the archaeologists' operations.
Duties
Medical Services and Public Health
The Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand
This foundation was begun in 1981 by the Princess Mother. Vadhana became its patron on 15 June 1984. She added some of her personal property to her mother's fund provided personal advice, thus developing its activities. It helps many sick children, especially from poor families, to be cured and treated by professional cardiac doctors, using mechanical
heart valve
A heart valve is a one-way valve that allows blood to flow in one direction through the chambers of the heart. Four valves are usually present in a mammalian heart and together they determine the pathway of blood flow through the heart. A heart ...
replacement, heart
pacemaker
An artificial cardiac pacemaker (or artificial pacemaker, so as not to be confused with the natural cardiac pacemaker) or pacemaker is a medical device that generates electrical impulses delivered by electrodes to the chambers of the heart ei ...
,
balloon catheter
A balloon catheter is a type of "soft" catheter with an inflatable "balloon" at its tip which is used during a catheterization procedure to enlarge a narrow opening or passage within the body. The deflated balloon catheter is positioned, then infl ...
, and surgery without
prosthesis
In medicine, a prosthesis (plural: prostheses; from grc, πρόσθεσις, prósthesis, addition, application, attachment), or a prosthetic implant, is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part, which may be lost through trau ...
. Furthermore, this foundation disseminates knowledge of cardiac diseases to doctors, nurses, and the public. It also provides funds for
pediatricians to study cardiac diseases in children either in Thailand or abroad.
The HSH Princess Boonjirathorn (Chumphon) Juthathuj Foundation
This is a foundation set up by Princess Boonjirathorn Juthathuj on 27 June 1979 to provide scholarships and awards to medical and nursing students, nursing lecturers, and nurses affiliated with Ministry of Public Health. Its president was Vadhana, who chaired the scholarship and award conferring committee. The first prize-giving by Princess Boonjirathorn was organized at Samitivej Hospital on 18 September 1979. Afterwards scholarships and awards were given by Vadhana every year.
The Breast Foundation
This foundation was created in December 1994 from Charity Funds of the Princess Mother. Vadhana was president, while her mother was patron and honorary president. Its objective is to promote knowledge and understanding of
breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening is the medical screening of asymptomatic, apparently healthy women for breast cancer in an attempt to achieve an earlier diagnosis. The assumption is that early detection will improve outcomes. A number of screening tests ...
. The Breast Center was established in
Siriraj Hospital
Siriraj Hospital ( th, โรงพยาบาลศิริราช; ) is the oldest and largest hospital in Thailand. It is in Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Thammasat University's Tha Phrachan campus. It is the ...
to provide complete breast diseases examination and diagnosis. With the modern equipment in the center, the first in Thailand, breast
radiography
Radiography is an imaging technique using X-rays, gamma rays, or similar ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation to view the internal form of an object. Applications of radiography include medical radiography ("diagnostic" and "therapeu ...
can be carried out to enable
biopsies
A biopsy is a medical test commonly performed by a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or an interventional cardiologist. The process involves extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination to determine the presence or extent of a disea ...
to be carried out accurately, correctly, with very little pain. It is also timesaving and less expensive.
The Mother Princess Medical Volunteer Foundation
In 1964, while the Mother Princess was staying at Phu Phing Palace,
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai (, from th, เชียงใหม่ , nod, , เจียงใหม่ ), sometimes written as Chiengmai or Chiangmai, is the largest city in northern Thailand, the capital of Chiang Mai province and the second largest city in ...
, she realised how poor the local populace were especially in food and medicine. She set up "The Mother Princess Medical Volunteer Unit" on 22 February 1969, and persuaded doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses to join the unit to go and treat patients in remote communities. On 21 May 1974, the unit was renamed to become "The Mother Princess Medical Volunteer Foundation" with the Mother Princess as its president.
Vadhana followed her mother's example in the foundation's daily operations. Together they would lead volunteers to visit and treat people in rural areas. Some patients were sent for treatment at the provincial central hospital or to
Bangkok
Bangkok, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estimated populati ...
. They often journeyed by
helicopters
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by horizontally spinning rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forward, backward and laterally. These attribu ...
because some areas had no roads. After the Princess Mother died, Vadhana became president.
Nature and Environment Conservation
In 1991, Vadhana visited and stayed at Huai Nam Dang Watershed Management Unit. She found that the nearby forests were deteriorated as a result of agricultural reclamation, so she had the idea of forming a Royal Forest Department to restore the forests. Then in 1995, the Royal Forest Department designated this area as
Huai Nam Dang National Park
Huai Nam Dang National Park ( th, อุทยานแห่งชาติห้วยน้ำดัง) is a national park in Thailand's Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai Provinces. This mountainous park features scenic mountain viewpoints, waterfal ...
, and built a chalet-style palace, which Vadhana named "Silver Orchids Palace", dedicated to her. She stayed there during late January and early February every year to visit nearby hill tribes. Her thinking was that the public and local administration organization co-operate to look after forest, water, wildlife, and rare flora to maintain natural balance.
Foreign affairs
Vadhana traveled abroad many times on formal and private visits. In addition to strengthening friendly relations with those countries, her visits helped spread knowledge of Thai culture and customs. Before any such visit she would carry out careful research.
After most of these visits, she collected her notes and the information she had gathered to publish books or reproduce them in digital media for distribution.
In 2003 she visited Gretzenbach in Switzerland to officially dedicate the
Wat Srinagarindravararam
Wat Srinagarindravararam (Thai: วัดศรีนครินทรวราราม) is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Gretzenbach, Switzerland.
History
The relationship between Switzerland and the Thai royal house go back to the time bef ...
, a temple named in honour of her mother.
Memorials
Galyani Vadhana Building
The Galyani Vadhana Building is in Priest Hospital, Bangkok. It has nine storeys and usable area. With Vadhana's support, the Kidney Foundation of Thailand coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health in its construction. The Government Lottery Office provided funds for it. Following the celebration of Vadhana's seventy-second birthday in 1995, her permission was sought to name the building after her, which she permitted, and dedicated it on 20 May 1994. The building supports the treatment of terminal
chronic renal failure
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a type of kidney disease in which a gradual loss of kidney function occurs over a period of months to years. Initially generally no symptoms are seen, but later symptoms may include leg swelling, feeling tired, vo ...
patients with 46 artificial kidney machines.
Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road
Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road runs through Bang Rak,
Sathon
Sathon or Sathorn ( th, สาทร, ) is one of the 50 districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. The district is bounded by six other districts (from north clockwise): Bang Rak, Pathum Wan, Khlong Toei, Yan Nawa, Bang Kho Laem, and Khlon ...
, and Yan Nawa Districts of Bangkok. It is built of
ferroconcrete
Reinforced concrete (RC), also called reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and ferroconcrete, is a composite material in which concrete's relatively low tensile strength and ductility are compensated for by the inclusion of reinforcement having hig ...
with eight lanes. Its length is from Surawongse Road in
Bang Rak District in the southeast and meets Rama III Road in
Yan Nawa District. It was included as an approach road project in the fourth Bangkok Development Plan (1992–1996). Upon completion, the
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( th, กรุงเทพมหานคร; ) (BMA) is the local government of Bangkok (also called ''Krung Thep Maha Nakhon'' in Thai), which includes the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand. The governm ...
asked for permission to name it for Vadhana, and the king consented in 1996.
Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Hospital
Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Hospital
Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Hospital () is the main hospital of Narathiwat Province, Thailand and is classified under the Ministry of Public Health (Thailand), Ministry of Public Health as a general hospital. It has a CPIRD Medical Education Center ...
is a
general hospital
''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the longest-running American soap opera in production, and the second in American history after '' ...
with 407 beds, in
Mueang Narathiwat District,
Narathiwat Province
Narathiwat ( th, นราธิวาส, Malay: Menara) is one of the southern provinces (''changwat'') of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from west clockwise) Yala and Pattani. To the south it borders the Malaysian state of Kelantan ...
. Originally just a medical station, in 1952 the Ministry of Public Health upgraded it to "Narathiwat Hospital". Later when Vadhana was bestowed the title Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, the hospital board requested the Ministry of Public Health to give the new hospital a name, and the king named it "Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Hospital" on 28 February 1997.
Princess of Naradhiwas University
Princess of Naradhiwas University
Princess of Naradhiwas University (PNU) is a government sponsored university in Narathiwat, southern Thailand. It was founded under the act on 9 February 2005 by merging all educational institutions in the province. Those institutions are Narath ...
was established by an act of 9 February 2005 merging all educational institutions in Narathiwat Province. Those institutions were Naradhiwas Technical College, Naradhiwas Agricultural and Technology College, Takbai Vocational College, and Boromarjonani College of Nursing.
Galyanivadhanakarun Hospital
Galyanivadhanakarun Hospital is a university teaching hospital of the
Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University
The Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University () is a medical school located in Narathiwat Province, Narathiwat, southern Thailand. The 18th medical school established in Thailand, founded in 2005, the Medical School is run in collabo ...
which opened in December 2014.
Writings
About the royal family
* Busy Fingers
* Postcard Games
* Prince Mahidol and Art
* Popular Chronicle From The Press, The Demise of the Princess Mother
Translation
* Le Couronnement Espagnol – The Spanish Coronation
Travelogue
* Yunnan
* Bhutan : Green Island on Land
* Is It Cold in Siberia?
* Turkey : Land of the Roman Emperors and Ottoman Sultans
* Xinjiang and Gansu : Pictures from Far Away Places
* Eastern China : Mountain, Lake, Temples
Foundations and associations
As honorary president
* The Mother Princess Medical Volunteer Foundation
* The Prosthesis Foundation of H.R.H. The Princess Mother
* L'Association Thaïlandaise des Professeurs de Français
* The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage
* The World Tipiṭaka Presentation Worldwide
As president
* The Kidney Foundation of Thailand
* The Breast Foundation
* Siriraj Foundation
As patron
* The Foundation for Slum Child Care (FSCC)
* The Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand (CCFT)
* The Green World Foundation (GWF)
* Bangkok Biomaterial Center
* Joe Louis Puppet Theatre
* Bangkok Opera Foundation (from 2001 to 2006)
Honors
Decorations
From the King of Thailand
*
Dame of the Most Illustrious
*
Dame of the Ancient and Auspicious
Order of the Nine Gems
The Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems ( th, เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันเป็นโบราณมงคลนพรัตนราชวราภรณ์; ) was established in 1851 by ...
*
Dame Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
* Dame Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted
Order of the White Elephant
__NOTOC__
The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant ( th, เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันเป็นที่เชิดชูยิ่งช้างเผือก; ) is an order of Thailand. It wa ...
* Dame Grand Cordon of the Most Noble
Order of the Crown of Thailand
The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand ( th, เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันมีเกียรติยศยิ่งมงกุฎไทย; ) is a Thai order, established in 1869 by King Rama ...
*
Dame Grand Cross of the Most Admirable
Order of the Direkgunabhorn __NOTOC__
The Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn ( th, เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันเป็นที่สรรเสริญยิ่งดิเรกคุณาภรณ์; ) was establi ...
*
Member of the Order of Symbolic Propitiousness Ramkeerati – Boy Scout Citation Medal (Special Class)
* Freemen Safeguarding Medal (First Class)
*
King Rama VIII Royal Cypher Medal (First Class)
*
King Rama IX
Bhumibol Adulyadej ( th, ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช; ; ; (Sanskrit: ''bhūmi·bala atulya·teja'' - "might of the land, unparalleled brilliance"); 5 December 192713 October 2016), conferred with the title King Bhumibol the Great ...
Royal Cypher Medal (First Class)
* Red Cross Medal of Merit
From French Republic
*
Commander of the
Order of Arts and Letters in 1979
* Commander of the
National Order of Merit An order of merit is conferred by a state, government or royal family on an individual in recognition of military or civil merit.
Order of merit may also refer to:
* FIFA Order of Merit, for significant contribution to association football
* PDC ...
in 1997
*
Grand Officier of the
Legion of Honour
The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleo ...
– 25 December 2007
Awards
* Victor Hugo Medal, from
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international coope ...
, in 1992
* Naratip Award, from The Writers Association of Thailand, in 2002
* WHO/SEARO Award, from Regional Office for South East Asia of
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution states its main objective as "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level o ...
, in 2003
Honorary Degrees
* Honorary Doctor of Arts in French,
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai University ( CMU; th, มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่) is a public research university in northern Thailand founded in 1964. It has a strong emphasis on engineering, science, agriculture, and medicine. It ...
* Honorary Doctor of Arts in History,
Prince of Songkla University
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) ( th, มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์; ) is the first university in southern Thailand, established in 1967. The name of the university was granted by the King Bhumibol ...
* Honorary Doctor of Education,
Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University (CU, th, จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย, ), nicknamed Chula ( th, จุฬาฯ), is a public and autonomous research university in Bangkok, Thailand. The university was originally fo ...
* Honorary Doctor of Dentistry,
Prince of Songkla University
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) ( th, มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์; ) is the first university in southern Thailand, established in 1967. The name of the university was granted by the King Bhumibol ...
* Honorary Doctor of Arts in French,
Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen University ( th, มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น) or KKU (มข.) is a public research university, and it is one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand. The university was the first institution of highe ...
* Honorary Doctor of Nursing Science,
Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen University ( th, มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น) or KKU (มข.) is a public research university, and it is one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand. The university was the first institution of highe ...
* Honorary Doctor of Nursing Science,
Sukhothai Thammathirat University
* Honorary Doctor of Science in Chemistry,
Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen University ( th, มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น) or KKU (มข.) is a public research university, and it is one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand. The university was the first institution of highe ...
* Honorary Doctor of Medicine,
Srinakharinwirot University
Srinakharinwirot University (abbr: SWU; th, มหาวิทยาลัยศรีนครินทรวิโรฒ; abbr: มศว) is a public university in Bangkok, Thailand. Founded in 1949, the university was the first upper-educati ...
* Honorary Doctor of Science in Community Public Health, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University
Military rank
*
General
A general officer is an officer of high rank in the armies, and in some nations' air forces, space forces, and marines or naval infantry.
In some usages the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colonel."general, adj. and n.". O ...
,
Admiral
Admiral is one of the highest ranks in some navies. In the Commonwealth nations and the United States, a "full" admiral is equivalent to a "full" general in the army or the air force, and is above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet ...
and
Air Chief Marshal
Air chief marshal (Air Chf Mshl or ACM) is a high-ranking air officer originating from the Royal Air Force. The rank is used by air forces of many countries that have historical British influence. An air chief marshal is equivalent to an Admi ...
Academic rank
*
Professor
Professor (commonly abbreviated as Prof.) is an academic rank at universities and other post-secondary education and research institutions in most countries. Literally, ''professor'' derives from Latin as a "person who professes". Professo ...
of
Thammasat University
Thammasat University ( Abrv: TU th, มธ.; th, มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์, , ) is a public research university in Thailand with campuses in Tha Phra Chan area of Phra Nakhon District near the Grand Pala ...
Titles
* 6 May 1923 – 8 November 1927 : ''Her Serene Highness'' Princess Galyani Vadhana Mahidol
[Jeffrey Finestone, The Royal Family of Thailand: The Descendants of King Chulalongkorn, Phitsanulok Publishing Co., Ltd., Bangkok, 1989.]
* 8 November 1927 – 10 July 1934 : ''Her Highness'' Princess Galyani Vadhana
* 10 July 1934 – 11 July 1944 : ''Her Royal Highness'' Princess Galyani Vadhana
* 11 July 1944 – 25 March 1950 : ''Mrs.'' Galyani Vadhana Ratanakul Serireongrit
* 25 March 1950 – 6 May 1995 : ''Her Royal Highness'' Princess Galyani Vadhana
* 6 May 1995 – 2 January 2008 : ''Her Royal Highness'' Princess Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Naradhiwas
The Princess's style and title in full: Somdet Phrachao Phinangthoe Chaofa Galyani Vadhana Krommaluang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra ( th, สมเด็จพระเจ้าพี่นางเธอ เจ้าฟ้ากัลยาณิวัฒนา กรมหลวงนราธิวาสราชนครินทร์)
File:Royal Monogram of Princess Galyani Vadhana.svg, Royal cypher of Princess Galyani Vadhana
File:Royal Flag of Princess Galyani Vadhana.svg, Royal flags of Princess Galyani Vadhana
Ancestors
See also
*
King Ananda Mahidol
*
King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej ( th, ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช; ; ; (Sanskrit: ''bhūmi·bala atulya·teja'' - "might of the land, unparalleled brilliance"); 5 December 192713 October 2016), conferred with the title King Bhumibol the Great ...
References
External links
Thailand Illustrated , Honouring Princess Galyani VadhanaBBC, In pictures: Thai royal funeralRoyal Funeral Ceremonies in Bangkok, Thailand (Picture Gallery)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Galyani Vadhana
1923 births
2008 deaths
Thai female Chao Fa
Mahidol family
Deaths from cancer in Thailand
Deaths from kidney failure
Dames Grand Cross of the Order of Chula Chom Klao
Dames Grand Cross of the Order of the Direkgunabhorn
Commandeurs of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
Commanders of the Ordre national du Mérite
Grand Croix of the Légion d'honneur
Academics of Chulalongkorn University
Academics of Thammasat University
University of Lausanne alumni
Thai female Phra Ong Chao
Thai female Mom Chao
International School of Geneva alumni
20th-century Chakri dynasty
21st-century Chakri dynasty