 K ING RAMA VIM EMORIAL DAY …………..………………….….1 ISSUE 7 VOLUMEI 2006

 HRHP RINCESS BEJARATANA ………....……………………...2

 S AMAGGI SAMAGOM UN- DER THEIR ROYAL PATRON- AGES…………….……….. 2

THEKINGRAMAVIMEM ORIALDAYEDITION, NOVEMBER 11TH, 2549 B.E. (2006) Times King Rama VI Memorial Day

His Majesty King (1881—1925) in the Gown of the Royal Patron of Schools under HM’s patronage.

His Majesty was born on days before his 22nd birthday. January 1st 1881 as the 29th HRH ascended to the Throne as King Rama VI child, though the 2nd son in on the passing of his father in 1910, seven years after his the Celestial ‘Chao Fa’ Rank, return. Attending the Coronation were royals and nobles of King Rama V. Revered in from around the world; representing Great Britain were HM at the Coronation Ceremony arts and languages, at the HRH Prince Albert of Teck, a younger brother of Queen Mary, mere age of 10, he translated and performed The Mikado, a the great-grandmother of the present Queen Elizabeth II and comedic operetta when studying in the Palace School for HRH Princess Alexander of Teck, the granddaughter of Queen Princes. Two years later, along with his brothers, HRH Victoria. came to study in the UK as their Royal father aspired for Since his coronation, HM worked tremendously them to lead the task of modernising Siam, which their hard for the happiness and benefit of the Siamese. Next to Royal Grandfather, King initiated. Their educa- his renowned ingenius in literature and performing arts, tional journey began with private tutorials by Sir Thomas HM was a great advocate for Siamese nationalism especially Basil in Ascot, England. when he gave the country a new tricoloured flag, a sym- As a young prince and with his princely brothers in England HRH Prince Vajiravudh was appointed the bolic identity which brings his citizens together. Samples of Crown Prince of Siam on January 17th 1897, at the age of 16, HM’s Social restructuring endeavour, which have modern- after the unexpected passing away of his half-brother, the ised the country at its nuclear level, including the compul- first Crown Prince Maha Vajirunhis. Two years later, he sory adoption of family names, which was never done moved to the neighbouring Camberley to continue his study before. As for education, in 1917, he established Chulalong- in both military and civilian disciplines. korn University, the country’s first west- In 1900, HRH the Crown Prince " My life is not at the ernised university which was named after Sandhurt and Hythe joined the Military Academy of Sandhurst. After disposal of my peo- his father. Being a western scholar him- graduation, he enrolled in the Durham Light self, HM appreciated the advantages of ple. In name, I am their Infantry Regiment and went on to have special- democracy but felt that sudden and radi- ised trainings in School of Musketry in Hythe King, but in fact, I am cal change is not the country’s best inter- (Kent), Mountain Warfare in Okehampton their Servant." est. In the light of his father’s progressive (Devon) and Cannon Operation in Aldershot alteration to the status quo, which was (Hampshire) and was awarded a medal and special certifi- proven successful in abolishment of slavery, HM intro- cates in recognition of his excellence. duced an experiment on democratic mode of governance in In 1902, he became a member of the Christ Dusit Dhani, a model city in on of his palaces. Such was as The Royal Guests at the Coronation Ceremony Church, Oxford University, to read history and law, notably akin to location of the Vatican City in Rome. The move was the first Thai monarch who received formal higher educa- highly praised as it seeks to educate and convince the inner- tion abroad. It was here when he published his first book, a most core of the country’s contemporary administrative and thesis on ’the Polish War of Succession’. governmental leading forces — the royals and the nobles — The Crown Prince was a great supporter of of the system’s virtue. At the same time, the model city students activities. Besides the diversity of students’ socie- subtly showcased the political party system, constructive ties with which he enrolled, HRH founded the Cosmopolitan journalism, experimental civic planning, town council Society for students in Oxfords and Samaggi Samagom to management and many values which were largely alien to bring Thai subjects in the UK together. subjects of absolute monarchy. As the Crown Prince of Siam, HRH represented It was regretted that the Siamese did not see his TRH Prince and Princess of Teck, the British royal representatives the King on many visits abroad, such as at the Diamond projects mature during his reign as HM returned to heaven, Jubilee of Queen Victoria, and later on at her funeral, at the as the Thais say, on November 25th 1925, at the age of only installation of King Alfonso XIII of Spain, and the corona- 46. In recognition of his contribution in the advancement of tion of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Great Siam, the day is reserved as King Rama VI Memorial Day. Britain. The prince was also appointed Regent of Siam on However, his legacy has since been built upon the King's last trip to Europe. by the subsequent Kings of and their families. After spending nine years in the UK, the Crown Moreover, he left the country with the blessing of his only Prince travelled to Europe, Africa, America, Japan and royal child, Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana. Hong Kong. He arrived back to his home country three Dusit Dhani City Hall King Rama VI Memorial Day, in 2005, at the OEA in London HRH Princess Bejaratana The Crown Diamond of the Royal House of Chakri

Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana returned to Thailand on November 4th 1957. As the sign of grati- Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi was born on tude, the first royal function HRH performed was to conduct November 24th 1925, the only child of merit-making ceremony in dedication to her late father on the HM King Rama VI and HRH Pra Nang anniversary of his passing. After a brief return to England to sell Chao Suvadhana, the Princess Consort. the Briton Ruenruedi Villa, HRH Princess Suvadhana bought a piece After having seen his child for a day, of land in Sukhumvit 38, on which a new residence was built and King Vajiravudh passed away, on No- also given the name Ruenruedi Palace, in which HRH Princess vember 25th. The succeeding King Rama Bejaratana lives until today. VII performed the naming ceremony for On a personal level, HRH Princess Bejaratana is known to the princess on December 30th. be a very gifted individual, especially with numbers. She has the TRH Princesses Bejaratana and Suvadhana moved to Suan ability to calculate which day of the week any dates nominated Hongsa Villa at Dusit Palacewhere the young princess received her falls onto, promptly and without any hesitation, as well as remem- education from a private tutor. They took refuge with HM Queen bering the birthdays of all individuals who have been presented Sri Savarindira, HM King Bhumibol's paternal grandmother, during before her. Despite being educated in the West, her admiration to HRH in Gown the War, and the princess attended Rajini School. In 1934, the Thai tradition and culture is apparent. Unless conversing with the construction of TRH’s new royal residence on a plot of land given native of foreign languages, HRH always speak purely and beauti- to them by HM King Rama VI himself during his reign was com- fully in Thai. The Princess prefers to dress in Thai silk and has pleted and was entitled ‘Suan Ruenruedi Palace’, the name which always perfumed herself only with Thai Scented Floral Water, resonates throughout her life. since she was ten. HRH Princess Bejaratana, at the age of 12, and her mother As a high-ranking member of the royal family, HRH dili- departed for the UK where HRH received further education. They gently performed numerous duties both in her own capacity and first stayed at Fairhill Villa in Camberley (Surrey), but, during WWII, in assistance of the present HM King Rama IX. Besides, the Prin- had to shift to the Imperial Hotel in Llandudno (North Wales), which cess continues to build upon the work of her late father as well as is still in full operation. After peace retuned, they moved to No 26, initiates new projects in her parents’ honour. To date, HRH is the Lewes Crescent in Briton to continue her education and piano train- Royal Patroness of more than 30 organisations, many of which are ing. They sold this villa before re-settling down again in the No 30, providing educational and public health services. When she has Dyke Road Avenue in the same city. On January 18th 1955, the new scarce moments away from such numerous tasks, HRH personally royal residence was given the name Ruenruedi Villa during the knits scarves to be given to Thai Border Protection Forces. Her House Blessing Ceremony. continuous donation brings about relief of poverty and advance- During their time in the UK, Their Royal Highnesses were ment in many fields, especially medical education. In recognition of HRH’s life long devotion to the citizens of deeply involved in various charitable functions. Humanitarian pictured with her regalia of the Celestial Princess Rank activities were also close to their hearts as evident in their aid to Thailand, HM King Bhumibol has decorated the Princess with the the Red Cross during the war. Throughout their stay, they were highest ranks of almost every Order of Honour as well as military the centre for Thai people in the UK and granted countless audi- positions. On September 28th 1998, Chulalongkorn University, ences and dinners. For students, HRH Princess Bejaratana grace- itself founded by her father, presented her with a Doctorate in fully became a Royal Patroness of the Samaggi Samagom, the first Education (Honoris Causa), adding to her collection of many Thai Society in the UK founded by her father while studying others. there. A glance of her close attention to Samaggi Samagom recalls Like diamonds with radiant brilliance, the Princess’ virtue the time when she presided over its multi-day Annual General and kindness has gloriously been illuminating every place she Meeting in Bournemouth, in which public speaking, debates, sport goes for more than eight decades. As her 81th birthday is fast events and other presentations were highly appreciated by the approaching, Thai students in Scotland pray for the blessing of the audience. The meeting was concluded at a gala dinner in which Buddhist Three Gems - the Lord Buddha, his teaching and his disci- the Princess herself handed out prizes to those who won competi- ples— and all beings holy and pure upon our most beloved and tions. The President of the Society was given the utmost honour to respected Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana, the Crown dance with HRH as well. Diamond of the Royal House of Chakri. Long Live the Princess! After spending 20 years in the UK, Their Royal Highnesses

Samaggi Samagom At 77 years old, taken in December 2002 August 1st, 1901 saw the founding of Samaggi Samagom by the then Crown PrinceVajiravudh.

At birth, it was established as a means for all Thai citizens living in the UK to unite as well as to work

together under the democratic philosophy. Yet, at that time, most, if not all, Thais residing in the country

were students, of princely or other noble ranks, and their entourages. Hence, by implication, Samaggi

Samagom is the first Thai Students Organisation in the UK. HM King Rama VI’s instruction to After returning to Thailand, HRH graciously accepted Samaggi Samagom under his patron- Samaggi Samagom

age on September 6th 1908 as well as granting leave for the use of his personal emblem, a diamond and 1. The committee members shall be an urna (the third eye of enlighten ones), to be put together with an elephant as the society’s insignia. On elected to ensure equally - contributed opportunities for per- March 24th 1921, eleven years after his coronation, HM King Vajiravudh graciously granted Samaggi sonal development of all involved. Taken in England with Thai students Samagom the present insignia of the Erawan (Arivata) three-headed divine elephant carrying a throne 2. The said election, which applies to enshrining a Vajra Scepter. Royal blue, the colour of HM’s preference, was proclaimed as the society’s all positions, must be executed democratically. Appointment of Special Thanks go to Khun official colour, which is to be used in its blazers as well as scarves but with the addition of red and white any subsequent positions is thus Chachapon Jayaphorn whose records of the trimming. prohibited—reflecting HM’s prefer- lives of His Majesty and Her Royal Highness, ence of direct democracy. which provide the basis for this THiSL Time, Samaggi has been working tirelessly to bring Thai students together through its various 3. There shall be an annual meeting were beautifully and articulately written. His activities. During WWII, it played the central role in the Free Thai Movement, which prevented Thailand which integrates both Western and gratitude, loyalty, and devotion to the Royal Thai Cultures in its organisation. Family is truly inspiring. from being fined afterwards. It has also inspired and given birth to various organisations such as univer- Where possible, it should be com- Without his close attention and sity-based Thai students societies, THiSL included, which can be found in most British cities nowadays. prised of music, debates, sports his advice, this THiSL Time would not have been possible. We are utterly grateful krab. In 1919, Prince of Songkla, father of the current King Rama IX, adopted its modus operndi to the create the and academic activities. Bonding of fellow Thai students should be same in the USA. Both have given birth two of the most influential alumni associations. It has to encouraged by giving them opportu- C Garnjana-Goonchorn & V Boonsobhak nities to reside and dine together be noted that with the Patronage from four senior members of the Royal Family, Samaggi is one of the edited throughout the meeting. most prestigious organisations in the world, naturally, with equally heavy responsibilities to match. To T Tan Manathat

that end, THiSL has been and will always be in full support of Samaggi Samagom. wrote For Thai Students in Scotland (THiSL) © Copyleft : the content in this issued can be reused or republished on non -commercial basis as long as it retains this characteristic. Textual and Photographic contents on this Newsletter are mostly original while the remaining borrowed and modified from other sources. A full version with referral is being prepared. Contact Us : [email protected]