Isnin, 9 Ogos 2010
KING PRAJADHIPOK
He born in Bangkok on November 8,1893. King Prajadhipok succeeded to the throne on the death of his elder brother, King Vajiravudh. He had not expected to become King--indeed until nine months before the death of King Vajiravudh the heir presumptive to the throne had been Prince Asdang Dejavudh, Prince of Nakorn Rajasima, and with his death in February 1925, Prince Prajadhipok became heir presumptive. However, King Vajiravudh's consort, Phra Nang Chao Suvadhana, was expecting a child, and had she given birth to a son he would have succeeded his father as Rama VII. The birth of a daughter took place two days before King Vajiravudh's death, and so it was that Prince Prajadhipok became king. His reign coincided with the worldwide economic depression which followed the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and its effects were not unfelt in Siam. On April 6, 1932 the country celebrated the sesquicentenary of the Chakri Dynasty--two months later a coup d'etat was staged with the eventual transferral of power to a Legislative Assembly. Thus the 150-year absolute rule of the Chakri Kings came to an end and the Constitutional Monarchy of the present day was born. On December 10, 1932 King Prajadhipok granted a constitution to the Thai people and just over two years later, on March 2, 1935, having gone to live in England in order to receive medical treatment, he abdicated the throne. Kingi Prajadhipok died in England on May 30,1941, during World War II, and his ashes were brought back to Bangkok by his widow, Queen Rambhai Barni, in 1949.
KING VAJIRAVUDH
Whose reigning title was Phra Mongkut Klao Chaoyuhua, was second son of King Chulalongkorn. He was born at Bangkok on January 1, 1881. Following the death of his elder half-brother, Crown Prince Maha Vajirunhis, in 1895, he was appointed Crown Prince. He was educated in England and his great love of literature and poetry in both Thai and English together with his scholastic abilities was later to manifest itseft during his reign. Among his lasting achievements were devising a system of transliteration of Thai into English and of translating the entire works of Shakespeare into Thai . His passion for traditional Thai theater and ballet has left a mass of published scores which form the basis of the study of these arts to the present day. King Vajiravudh's coronation in Bangkok on December 2, 1911 was an occasion of much splendor. Among those present at the ceremonies were members of the royal families of Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Russia and Japan (the largest gathering of European royalty on the Asian Continent either before or since). The Russian imperial jewelers, Messrs. Carl Faberge, set up a temporary shop within the hallowed portals of the Oriental Hotel to coincide with the festivities. In 1916 King Vajiravudh declared war on Germany and Thai troops fought with the Allies during the latter part of World War I. He died in Bangkok on November 26, 1925 at the early age of 44.
KING CHULALONGKORN.
Also known as Phra Chula Chomklao Chaoyuhua, and the eldest son of King Rama IV, he was born in Bangkok on September 20, 1853 and was crowned King on October 1, 1868, following the death of his father. The first few years of his reign were under a regency. King Chulalongkorn is perhaps the most revered of all the Chakri Kings--during his long reign of 42 years 23 days great advances were achieved for the country.
The King actively pursued a policy of "modernizing" the country and had a number of Europeans in his service to oversee such projects as the building of the first railway in Thailand. He himself made two visits to Europe, one in 1897 and another in 1907, during which he became acquainted with most of the rulers of Europe. Bonds of friendship between himself and the various European royal families were formed which exist to the present day. Not only was he the first Thai king to travel abroad [ he made several visits to the Straits Settlements, the Malay States and the Dutch East Indies ] but he also sent his sons to study in Europe [ to school in England and later for military training to Denmark, Germany and Russia ].
He successfully managed to cultivate the idea of Siam as a buffer state between the colonial possessions of the European powers in South-East Asia. The price he paid of losing certain border territories was amply rewarded, for Siam was never colonized - the only country in the region to maintain its sovereignty throughout the period of colonial expansionism. Much beloved by his people he died on October 23, 1910.
The King actively pursued a policy of "modernizing" the country and had a number of Europeans in his service to oversee such projects as the building of the first railway in Thailand. He himself made two visits to Europe, one in 1897 and another in 1907, during which he became acquainted with most of the rulers of Europe. Bonds of friendship between himself and the various European royal families were formed which exist to the present day. Not only was he the first Thai king to travel abroad [ he made several visits to the Straits Settlements, the Malay States and the Dutch East Indies ] but he also sent his sons to study in Europe [ to school in England and later for military training to Denmark, Germany and Russia ].
He successfully managed to cultivate the idea of Siam as a buffer state between the colonial possessions of the European powers in South-East Asia. The price he paid of losing certain border territories was amply rewarded, for Siam was never colonized - the only country in the region to maintain its sovereignty throughout the period of colonial expansionism. Much beloved by his people he died on October 23, 1910.
HIS MAJESTY KING MONGKUT.
Thailand has had a Monarchy for centuries. In critical period, the Thai people rally around their beloved King. In time of peace, the Monarch is the center of faith. It is becaus e of the people' s love and loyalty to their King that Thailand has remained and independent country. This column is to honor the Kings of the Chakri Dynasty.
His Majesty King Mongkut was born on Thursday the 18th of October 1804. He was the second son of Phra Buddha Lertla Naphalai (King Rama II) and Queen Sri Suriyendra, whose first--born son died at birth in 1801. Prince Mongkut was five years old when his father succeeded to the Throne in 1809.
In a letter to an American friend before he himself ascended to the Throne, Prince Mongkut explained his name and title as follows: "Chao" corresponds to the English word "Lord", or the Latin word Dominus. "Fah" means the sky, but when used with a person's name it becomes an adjective of exaltation, equivalent to the phrase "as high as the sky". Mongkut means "crown". The name Chao Fah Mongkut thus means "The High Prince of the Crown," or "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince"
When His Royal Highness Prince Mongkut became King, he was generally known in Siam as "Phra Chom Klao", but foreigners always called him Mongkut.
Early Life
Until the age of nine, Prince, Mongkut lived at an old palace on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya River. He was given traditional education befitting a Siamese Crown Prince being groomed to be King. His studies included literature and poetry in Siamese and Pali, the ancient language of the Buddhist religion. He was also taught history and the ancient art of warfare, which included the use of many kinds of weapons and elephant - and horse - riding. He learned the precepts of Buddhism, including the Ten Perfections(parami), namely, alms--giving; morality; renunciation, or seclusion from sensual pleasures; wisdom; effort; patients-endurance; truthfulness; determination; kindness and equanimity.
At the tender age of 12, Prince Mongkut was assigned by his royal father to take charge of the armed forces. Assisted by an uncle, he supervised the settlement of Mon refugees who had come into the Kingdom by way of Tak, Uthai and Kanchanaburi provinces.
When he was 14, the Prince was ordained as a novice monk for seven months at Mahathat Temple just outside the Grand Palace. Then, when he was 20, he entered the monkhood at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Royal Temple, but later moved to a smaller and more peaceful temple at the edge of the city. The little known Samorai Temple was where he thought he could better pursue his study of Buddhism.
In the Yellow Robe of a Buddhist Monk
Two weeks after Prince Mongkut's ordination to the monkhood, His Majesty King Phra Buddha Lertla Naphalai passed away, and following Siamese tradition an assembly of princes and high officials met together to choose his successor. They elected Prince Chesdabodin as the next King.
Ironically, it was his period in monkhood, which required him to take a vow of poverty and self-denial, that gave Prince Mongkut a good understanding of statecraft. It allowed him to meet people from all walks of life, from the humblest to the elite, Thais as well as foreigners. He traveled to various parts of the Kingdom, barefoot, depending on offerings of food and other necessities from the people. From the Thais, he gained an invaluable first-hand insight into their welfare and livelihood. From the foreigners, he obtained precious information about the outside world, especially about technology and and science.
Accession to the Throne
When His Majesty King Nang Klao (the name by which Prince Chesdabodin was known when he became King) passed away in 1851, the Accession Council elected Prince Mongkut as his successor. When told of the decision, Prince Mongkut said modestly that he would accept to avoid trouble, and left the monkhood. But once he became King, he immediately instituted reforms which would adapt the country to western ways.
Soon after his coronation, it was customary for a king to appoint his deputy, or Uparaj, and King Mongkut chose his full brother, Prince Chutamani as Deputy King. By so doing, he returned to a tradition of the Ayutthaya Kingdom 250 years before and followed the example set by King Naresuan in appointing his younger brother as Deputy King, according him an almost equal status and a coronation of nearly the same splendor. Prince Chutamani thus became known as His Majesty King Pinklao; he was interested mainly in national defence, particularly the navy and the artillery.
Since King Mogkut was already proficient in the English language, he was anxious that other members of the Court be likewise trained in this foreign language. Not long after he ascended the Throne in 1851, two missionaries, a Dr.Bradley and a Dr.Jones, received a letter from the Grand Chamberlain, telling them of His Majesty's wish that the ladies of the court be taught English, and asking their help to find teachers. The missionaries assigned their wives, Mrs.Bradley and Mrs.Jones, and a third woman, Mrs.Stephen Matton, to take turns going to the palace to give lessons.
On August 13, 1851, a class was started for young ladies between the age of 16 and 21. They were soon joined by princesses from the court of King Rama II, and the class grew to 30. But after three years, the lessons were stopped as the students got bored of being taught only from religious texts and shown pictures from the Bible, in what was seen as an effort to convert them to Christianity. It was then that the King sent word to his Consul in Singapore to hire an English teacher on the condition that she would refrain from teaching religion. Thus, in 1862, Mrs.Anna Leonowens arrived in Bangkok to teach English to the Children of the King of Siam for four years.
Events Leading to His Majesty's Death
His Majesty King Mongkut was greatly interested in astronomy. He correctly calculated the time and place of a total eclipse of the sun, which occurred on August 18, 1868, and pinpointed a remote village in Prachuab Khiri Khan, on the west coast of the Gulf of Siam, as the place where it could be clearly seen. The King invited many dignitaries, including the Governor of Singapore, Henry Orde. The French Government sent a large party of scientists.
In his letter of invitation, Sir Henry Orde, who came by sea, the King told him to come to the place at "East Greenwich longitude 99 degrees 42' and latitude North 11 degrees 39'." The total eclipse of the sun, which lasted six minutes and 46 seconds, occurred exactly as the King had predicted and the European scientists conceded that he was a brilliant mathematician and real astronomer.
His Majesty's effort to learn English at an advanced age and become an expert in a western science, however, met a sad end. The King's pavilion for viewing the eclipse was built on low ground in a mosquito-infested spot. Soon after his return to Bangkok, His Majesty fell seriously ill from malaria caught at the site, and his eldest son, Prince Chulalongkorn, who had gone with him to watch the eclipse.
His Majesty King Mongkut passed away on the night of October 18, 1868. It was 64th birthday
His Majesty King Mongkut was born on Thursday the 18th of October 1804. He was the second son of Phra Buddha Lertla Naphalai (King Rama II) and Queen Sri Suriyendra, whose first--born son died at birth in 1801. Prince Mongkut was five years old when his father succeeded to the Throne in 1809.
In a letter to an American friend before he himself ascended to the Throne, Prince Mongkut explained his name and title as follows: "Chao" corresponds to the English word "Lord", or the Latin word Dominus. "Fah" means the sky, but when used with a person's name it becomes an adjective of exaltation, equivalent to the phrase "as high as the sky". Mongkut means "crown". The name Chao Fah Mongkut thus means "The High Prince of the Crown," or "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince"
When His Royal Highness Prince Mongkut became King, he was generally known in Siam as "Phra Chom Klao", but foreigners always called him Mongkut.
Early Life
Until the age of nine, Prince, Mongkut lived at an old palace on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya River. He was given traditional education befitting a Siamese Crown Prince being groomed to be King. His studies included literature and poetry in Siamese and Pali, the ancient language of the Buddhist religion. He was also taught history and the ancient art of warfare, which included the use of many kinds of weapons and elephant - and horse - riding. He learned the precepts of Buddhism, including the Ten Perfections(parami), namely, alms--giving; morality; renunciation, or seclusion from sensual pleasures; wisdom; effort; patients-endurance; truthfulness; determination; kindness and equanimity.
At the tender age of 12, Prince Mongkut was assigned by his royal father to take charge of the armed forces. Assisted by an uncle, he supervised the settlement of Mon refugees who had come into the Kingdom by way of Tak, Uthai and Kanchanaburi provinces.
When he was 14, the Prince was ordained as a novice monk for seven months at Mahathat Temple just outside the Grand Palace. Then, when he was 20, he entered the monkhood at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Royal Temple, but later moved to a smaller and more peaceful temple at the edge of the city. The little known Samorai Temple was where he thought he could better pursue his study of Buddhism.
In the Yellow Robe of a Buddhist Monk
Two weeks after Prince Mongkut's ordination to the monkhood, His Majesty King Phra Buddha Lertla Naphalai passed away, and following Siamese tradition an assembly of princes and high officials met together to choose his successor. They elected Prince Chesdabodin as the next King.
Ironically, it was his period in monkhood, which required him to take a vow of poverty and self-denial, that gave Prince Mongkut a good understanding of statecraft. It allowed him to meet people from all walks of life, from the humblest to the elite, Thais as well as foreigners. He traveled to various parts of the Kingdom, barefoot, depending on offerings of food and other necessities from the people. From the Thais, he gained an invaluable first-hand insight into their welfare and livelihood. From the foreigners, he obtained precious information about the outside world, especially about technology and and science.
Accession to the Throne
When His Majesty King Nang Klao (the name by which Prince Chesdabodin was known when he became King) passed away in 1851, the Accession Council elected Prince Mongkut as his successor. When told of the decision, Prince Mongkut said modestly that he would accept to avoid trouble, and left the monkhood. But once he became King, he immediately instituted reforms which would adapt the country to western ways.
Soon after his coronation, it was customary for a king to appoint his deputy, or Uparaj, and King Mongkut chose his full brother, Prince Chutamani as Deputy King. By so doing, he returned to a tradition of the Ayutthaya Kingdom 250 years before and followed the example set by King Naresuan in appointing his younger brother as Deputy King, according him an almost equal status and a coronation of nearly the same splendor. Prince Chutamani thus became known as His Majesty King Pinklao; he was interested mainly in national defence, particularly the navy and the artillery.
Since King Mogkut was already proficient in the English language, he was anxious that other members of the Court be likewise trained in this foreign language. Not long after he ascended the Throne in 1851, two missionaries, a Dr.Bradley and a Dr.Jones, received a letter from the Grand Chamberlain, telling them of His Majesty's wish that the ladies of the court be taught English, and asking their help to find teachers. The missionaries assigned their wives, Mrs.Bradley and Mrs.Jones, and a third woman, Mrs.Stephen Matton, to take turns going to the palace to give lessons.
On August 13, 1851, a class was started for young ladies between the age of 16 and 21. They were soon joined by princesses from the court of King Rama II, and the class grew to 30. But after three years, the lessons were stopped as the students got bored of being taught only from religious texts and shown pictures from the Bible, in what was seen as an effort to convert them to Christianity. It was then that the King sent word to his Consul in Singapore to hire an English teacher on the condition that she would refrain from teaching religion. Thus, in 1862, Mrs.Anna Leonowens arrived in Bangkok to teach English to the Children of the King of Siam for four years.
Events Leading to His Majesty's Death
His Majesty King Mongkut was greatly interested in astronomy. He correctly calculated the time and place of a total eclipse of the sun, which occurred on August 18, 1868, and pinpointed a remote village in Prachuab Khiri Khan, on the west coast of the Gulf of Siam, as the place where it could be clearly seen. The King invited many dignitaries, including the Governor of Singapore, Henry Orde. The French Government sent a large party of scientists.
In his letter of invitation, Sir Henry Orde, who came by sea, the King told him to come to the place at "East Greenwich longitude 99 degrees 42' and latitude North 11 degrees 39'." The total eclipse of the sun, which lasted six minutes and 46 seconds, occurred exactly as the King had predicted and the European scientists conceded that he was a brilliant mathematician and real astronomer.
His Majesty's effort to learn English at an advanced age and become an expert in a western science, however, met a sad end. The King's pavilion for viewing the eclipse was built on low ground in a mosquito-infested spot. Soon after his return to Bangkok, His Majesty fell seriously ill from malaria caught at the site, and his eldest son, Prince Chulalongkorn, who had gone with him to watch the eclipse.
His Majesty King Mongkut passed away on the night of October 18, 1868. It was 64th birthday
KING NANG KLAO
He born in Bangkok on March 31, 1788 the future King Rama III was the son of King Rama II by a junior wife, Chao Chom Riem. At the time of the death of King Rama II his supposed heir, Prince Mongkut, had entered a monastery as a monk and Prince Chesda Bondindra, as he was then styled, was chosen as king by the Accession Council [ at the age of 37 and reigned for 27 years ]. He proved an able ruler and during his reign trade prospered and territorial advances were made as the vassal states of the north and east came more firmly under the rule of Bangkok. During his rule, in 1833, the first treaty with the United States was signed. King Rama III had no queen and thus had no children of Chao Fa rank, and so, on his death, on April 2, 1851 [ at the age of 65 ]. The succession passed to his half-brother, who became King Mongkut [ Rama IV ]. Although he had no son who was King it is an interesting genealogical fact that among his descendantes were five future Kings for his granddaughter, Queen Debsirindra, was the mother of King Chulalongkorn [ Rama V ]--thus every descendant of King Chulalongkorn has a lineal descent from King Rama III.
KING BUDDHA LOET LA NABHALAI.
He was the son of King Rama I. He born at Rajaburi on February 26, 1768 he accompanied his father on military campaigns as a young man. He was 16 when his father ascended the throne and was immediately created a Prince of the rank of Somdetch Chao Fa and given the name of Isarasundorn. Appointed Maha Uparaja [ or Deputy King ] by his father in 1806, he was the only Maha Uparaja to eventually succeed to the throne during the period of the Chakri Dynasty. He became king on the death of his father [at the age of 42 ], King Rama I. His reign was a period of consolidating the achievements of the previous reign and he began the custom of appointing senior princes to supervise over the different departments of state. He is best remembered though for his interest in the arts . He was an artist, writer, composer, which flourished during his reign. He died on July 21. 1824 [ at the age of 58 ].
KING BUDDHA YOT FA CHULALOK.
He born in Ayutthaya on March 20, 1737, the son of Phra Aksorn Sundara Smiantra, he was formerly known as Thong Duang. Following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 he entered the service of Phraya Taksin and fought by his side in almost every campaign until the latter became King Taksin, establishing the capital at Thonburi. He was created Luang Yorkrabat, then Phra Rajvarin, Chao Phraya Chakri and eventually Somdetch Chao Phraya Maha Kashatriya Suk by King Taksin, and following the deposition of King Taksin in 1782 [ at the age of 45 ] was chosen King, becoming the founder and first ruler of the House of Chakri two hundred years ago. On the year of his accession he moved the capital from Thonburi to the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River, thus founding the city of Bangkok. It was during his reign that the Grand Palace was constructed and he installed the Emerald Buddha in the Chapel Royal following its completion. He died in Bangkok on September 7, 1809 and, as many historians have stated, the modern Siam dates from his reign.
THE FULL FAMILY TREE OF THE CHAKRI
THE FULL FAMILY TREE OF THE CHAKRI DYNASTY IS complex and at times perplexing. Each king and queen is known by several different names and titles, some posthumously conferred. Many of the princes and princesses have more than one title, and alterations can be made, not only to their rank but also to the terms describing their relationship to the reigning monarch, which change from reign to reign. These ranks and titles are finely graded, revealing nuances which explain the exact rank and relationship to the king of the individual prince or princess.
This hierarchy of rank and title is unique to Thailand [although a similar, but less complex system exists within the royal family of Cambodia] and is the most elaborate system of royal rank to be found in any country in the world. There are three distinct ranks of prince and princess, but even within each rank there are finer distinctions which divide the members into different sub-groups. The three main ranks are as follows:-
The Chao Fa This title is usually restricted to the children of a king or queen. There are at present only five Chao Fa living , one prince and four princesses; they include the present Crown Prince, two daughters of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, his sister, and the daughter of His late Majesty King Vajiravudh [Rama VI] . Another daughter of His present Majesty, the former Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya, who relinquished her royal title in 1972, was also of this rank.
The Phra Ong Chao--there are two specific grades within this rank, those Phra Ong Chao who have the additional word Chao within the preamble to their title, and those who do not :
[Phra Chao Vorawongse Ther] Phra Ong Chao--Prince or Princess and Royal Highness. [Phra Vorawongse Ther] Phra Ong Chao--Prince or Princess and Highness. The Phra Ong Chao nowadays are always the grandchildren of a king--three of the present King's grandchilden are of this rank, and the other 10 living Phra Ong Chao are all grandchildren of King Chulalongkorn [ Rama V ], from senior lines of descent.
The Mom Chao--this is the lowest of the royal ranks and the usual title of a grandchildren of a king [except where raised to be a Phra Ong Chao]; in the case of a great-grandchild of a king who is a Mom Chao then he or she is the child of a Phra Ong Chao prince, who is himself of a grandchild of a king. The Mom Chao are known in English as Prince or Princess and Serene Highness. There are at present some 150 Mom Chao living--53 are grandchildren or great- grandchildren of King Chulalongkorn [Rama V], 82 are grandchildren or great-grandchildren of King Mongkut [Rama IV], 14 are grandchildren of the last Maha Uparaja [ or Deputy King] and one, the last surviving grandchild of Second King Pinklao, who died in 1866. They are for the most part elderly and in the years to come their number will be much diminished. In the early part of this century the total of Mom Chao was much higher, numbering several hundred, and including grandchildren of King Rama III, King Rama II and even King Rama I, as well as numberous grandchildren of the earlier Maha Uparaja. By the end of the century it is likely that there will only be several dozen Mom Chao left within the Royal Family.
The great-grandchildren of a king do not bear royal rank but are entitled to use the title of Mom Rajawongse, which is not translated into English. The great- great-grandchildren bear the title of Mom Luang. Subsequent generations in the male line of decent from a king have no titles, but may add the dynastic surname of "na Ayudhya" to the surname of the branch of the Royal Family from which they descend.
The Royal Family is divided into 131 different branches. Each son of a king, or Maha Uparaja, who founded a family, was granted a surname by King Vajiravudh [Rama VI] - several more were granted during the reign of his successor, King Prajadhipok [Rama VII]. As part of the 60th birthday celebrations of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, representatives of each branch will gather at the Chitralada Villa of Dusit Palace in a ceremony that has not been performed for many years. They will be received in audience by the King in the Dusidalai Hall and will be grouped strictly according to the seniority of their descent from the previous kings of the Chakri Dynasty. The task of deciding the order of precedence is not an easy one and assistance is given by the chairman of the family association of the Chakri Dynasty , who keeps careful track of the whereabouts of each branch and its members, ensuring that they are informed of the gathering and at the same time checking that no imposters lay claim to an unverified descent. This is rare, though from time to time "pretenders" do emerge and assume the name of some remote line of descent of the Royal Family.
The names of the Kings of the Chakri Dynasty are long and complex and take various forms. It is customary that the sovereign's name is longer than that of anyone else in the Kingdom and the full royal name and title, as inscribed on a golden name plate at the time of the coronation, is impractical for daily use. Several different systems for naming the kings have developed over the years. In the reign of King Rama III it was decided that the first two kings of the Chakri Dynasty should be accorded a personal name. Hitherto, people had referred to these two kings as "The King of the Foremost Reign" and "The King of the Middle Reign." King Rama III had two large golden Buddha images made and dedicated them to the first two kings and decreed that they be known as King Buddha Yot Fa and King Buddha Loet La. He himself became King Nang Klao. His successors became King Chom Klao [Mongkut] , King Chula Chom Klao [Chulalongkorn] ,King Mongkut Klao (Vajiravudh) and King Pok Klao [Prajadhipok]. Abroad and to foreigners living within the country these kings were known by other names - the personal name they had before their accession - hence King Mongkut, King Chulalongkorn, King Vajiravudh and King Prajadhipok, and this custom was continued during the two subsequent reigns with King Ananda Mahidol and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
One of the fascinations of the Thai system of royal rank and title is the subtlety with which the title of a member of the Royal House reveals an exact degree of rank. Apart from the three distinct princely ranks mentioned earlier there are other features of royal titles which further define the holder's true position in the royal hierarchy. In the titles of all princes and princesses of Phra Ong Chao and Chao Fa rank are to be found certain words which also indicate their relationship to the reigning King. These form part of the preamble to the title and in the case of the closest royal relatives indicate the exact relationship. More distant relatives have a word indicating to which group of princes and princesses they belong. Thus the son of the reigning king will be Somdetch Phra Chao Lukya Ther Chao Fa, the daughter Somdetch Phra Chao Luk Ther Chao Fa, the elder brother Somdetch Phra Chao Piya Ther Chao Fa, the younger brother Somdetch Phra Chao Nongya Ther Chao Fa, and so on. These relationship terms change from reign to reign, with the children of one king becoming, perhaps the elder and younger brothers and sisters of the next king. The system applies equally to deceased members of the Royal Family and the late younger brother of a reigning king will become the late uncle of his successor and his title will be altered accordingly. There is thus a gradual and evolving pattern of change within the system of royal titles.
Another feature of the precise definition of rank can be found among the regalia of the most senior members of the Royal Family. When they receive their titles they are presented with a set of regalia, which, should their title be high enough, will include a multi-tiered royal umbrellas, or parasol. These royal umbrella are of different levels, usually of five, seven or nine tiers. Only a crowned king possesses a nine-tiered umbrella [prior to his coronation he is entitled to one of seven tiers]. The holders of seven tier umbrellas form a special group within the Royal Family, those whose titles contain the words "Somdetch Phra Baromma" and at the present time these include only four people, Her Majesty the Queen, H.R.H. the Crown Prince, H.R.H. the Princess Mother and princesses of Cho Fa rank are entitled to royal umbrellas of five tiers. These royal umbrellas reveal the rank of the holder and as such can form part of their insignia or coats-of-arms and at their cremations are to be found suspended above the crematorium, or above their urns at their lyings-in-state.
As the Thai system of rank is so very much more complex than those systems to be found in European countries it is often difficult to ascribe adequate titles in English and the other European languages. A system has evolved gradually, beginning as early as the reign of King Mongkut. He and his successors took particular care in choosing the correct English words to be used as a translation for various Thai royal titles, and in the cases of King Chulalongkorn and King Vajiravudh discussions took place between themselves and members of European royal families on choosing suitable equivalents. However, the European languages cannot convey the degree of subtlety apparent in the Thai system and anomalies occur. Although the Queen is Her Majesty, the Princess Mother, according to European custom is only Her Royal Highness, a rank equal to those of certain princes and princesses. In Europe the mother of a reigning king whose father has never been king cannot be a queen mother, as she was herself never a queen consort and is therefore known as the princess mother. That the present Princess Mother of Thailand was raised to the rank of Somdetch Phra Baromma with the right to seven levels of royal umbrellas during the reign of her son cannot be adequately conveyed in the English rendering of her title.
The Modern Monarchy
Chakri Dynasty
King Rama I
King Rama II
King Rama III
King Rama IV
King Rama V
King Rama VI
King Rama VII
King Rama VIII
King Rama IX
King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Queen Sirikit
This hierarchy of rank and title is unique to Thailand [although a similar, but less complex system exists within the royal family of Cambodia] and is the most elaborate system of royal rank to be found in any country in the world. There are three distinct ranks of prince and princess, but even within each rank there are finer distinctions which divide the members into different sub-groups. The three main ranks are as follows:-
The Chao Fa This title is usually restricted to the children of a king or queen. There are at present only five Chao Fa living , one prince and four princesses; they include the present Crown Prince, two daughters of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, his sister, and the daughter of His late Majesty King Vajiravudh [Rama VI] . Another daughter of His present Majesty, the former Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya, who relinquished her royal title in 1972, was also of this rank.
The Phra Ong Chao--there are two specific grades within this rank, those Phra Ong Chao who have the additional word Chao within the preamble to their title, and those who do not :
[Phra Chao Vorawongse Ther] Phra Ong Chao--Prince or Princess and Royal Highness. [Phra Vorawongse Ther] Phra Ong Chao--Prince or Princess and Highness. The Phra Ong Chao nowadays are always the grandchildren of a king--three of the present King's grandchilden are of this rank, and the other 10 living Phra Ong Chao are all grandchildren of King Chulalongkorn [ Rama V ], from senior lines of descent.
The Mom Chao--this is the lowest of the royal ranks and the usual title of a grandchildren of a king [except where raised to be a Phra Ong Chao]; in the case of a great-grandchild of a king who is a Mom Chao then he or she is the child of a Phra Ong Chao prince, who is himself of a grandchild of a king. The Mom Chao are known in English as Prince or Princess and Serene Highness. There are at present some 150 Mom Chao living--53 are grandchildren or great- grandchildren of King Chulalongkorn [Rama V], 82 are grandchildren or great-grandchildren of King Mongkut [Rama IV], 14 are grandchildren of the last Maha Uparaja [ or Deputy King] and one, the last surviving grandchild of Second King Pinklao, who died in 1866. They are for the most part elderly and in the years to come their number will be much diminished. In the early part of this century the total of Mom Chao was much higher, numbering several hundred, and including grandchildren of King Rama III, King Rama II and even King Rama I, as well as numberous grandchildren of the earlier Maha Uparaja. By the end of the century it is likely that there will only be several dozen Mom Chao left within the Royal Family.
The great-grandchildren of a king do not bear royal rank but are entitled to use the title of Mom Rajawongse, which is not translated into English. The great- great-grandchildren bear the title of Mom Luang. Subsequent generations in the male line of decent from a king have no titles, but may add the dynastic surname of "na Ayudhya" to the surname of the branch of the Royal Family from which they descend.
The Royal Family is divided into 131 different branches. Each son of a king, or Maha Uparaja, who founded a family, was granted a surname by King Vajiravudh [Rama VI] - several more were granted during the reign of his successor, King Prajadhipok [Rama VII]. As part of the 60th birthday celebrations of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, representatives of each branch will gather at the Chitralada Villa of Dusit Palace in a ceremony that has not been performed for many years. They will be received in audience by the King in the Dusidalai Hall and will be grouped strictly according to the seniority of their descent from the previous kings of the Chakri Dynasty. The task of deciding the order of precedence is not an easy one and assistance is given by the chairman of the family association of the Chakri Dynasty , who keeps careful track of the whereabouts of each branch and its members, ensuring that they are informed of the gathering and at the same time checking that no imposters lay claim to an unverified descent. This is rare, though from time to time "pretenders" do emerge and assume the name of some remote line of descent of the Royal Family.
The names of the Kings of the Chakri Dynasty are long and complex and take various forms. It is customary that the sovereign's name is longer than that of anyone else in the Kingdom and the full royal name and title, as inscribed on a golden name plate at the time of the coronation, is impractical for daily use. Several different systems for naming the kings have developed over the years. In the reign of King Rama III it was decided that the first two kings of the Chakri Dynasty should be accorded a personal name. Hitherto, people had referred to these two kings as "The King of the Foremost Reign" and "The King of the Middle Reign." King Rama III had two large golden Buddha images made and dedicated them to the first two kings and decreed that they be known as King Buddha Yot Fa and King Buddha Loet La. He himself became King Nang Klao. His successors became King Chom Klao [Mongkut] , King Chula Chom Klao [Chulalongkorn] ,King Mongkut Klao (Vajiravudh) and King Pok Klao [Prajadhipok]. Abroad and to foreigners living within the country these kings were known by other names - the personal name they had before their accession - hence King Mongkut, King Chulalongkorn, King Vajiravudh and King Prajadhipok, and this custom was continued during the two subsequent reigns with King Ananda Mahidol and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
One of the fascinations of the Thai system of royal rank and title is the subtlety with which the title of a member of the Royal House reveals an exact degree of rank. Apart from the three distinct princely ranks mentioned earlier there are other features of royal titles which further define the holder's true position in the royal hierarchy. In the titles of all princes and princesses of Phra Ong Chao and Chao Fa rank are to be found certain words which also indicate their relationship to the reigning King. These form part of the preamble to the title and in the case of the closest royal relatives indicate the exact relationship. More distant relatives have a word indicating to which group of princes and princesses they belong. Thus the son of the reigning king will be Somdetch Phra Chao Lukya Ther Chao Fa, the daughter Somdetch Phra Chao Luk Ther Chao Fa, the elder brother Somdetch Phra Chao Piya Ther Chao Fa, the younger brother Somdetch Phra Chao Nongya Ther Chao Fa, and so on. These relationship terms change from reign to reign, with the children of one king becoming, perhaps the elder and younger brothers and sisters of the next king. The system applies equally to deceased members of the Royal Family and the late younger brother of a reigning king will become the late uncle of his successor and his title will be altered accordingly. There is thus a gradual and evolving pattern of change within the system of royal titles.
Another feature of the precise definition of rank can be found among the regalia of the most senior members of the Royal Family. When they receive their titles they are presented with a set of regalia, which, should their title be high enough, will include a multi-tiered royal umbrellas, or parasol. These royal umbrella are of different levels, usually of five, seven or nine tiers. Only a crowned king possesses a nine-tiered umbrella [prior to his coronation he is entitled to one of seven tiers]. The holders of seven tier umbrellas form a special group within the Royal Family, those whose titles contain the words "Somdetch Phra Baromma" and at the present time these include only four people, Her Majesty the Queen, H.R.H. the Crown Prince, H.R.H. the Princess Mother and princesses of Cho Fa rank are entitled to royal umbrellas of five tiers. These royal umbrellas reveal the rank of the holder and as such can form part of their insignia or coats-of-arms and at their cremations are to be found suspended above the crematorium, or above their urns at their lyings-in-state.
As the Thai system of rank is so very much more complex than those systems to be found in European countries it is often difficult to ascribe adequate titles in English and the other European languages. A system has evolved gradually, beginning as early as the reign of King Mongkut. He and his successors took particular care in choosing the correct English words to be used as a translation for various Thai royal titles, and in the cases of King Chulalongkorn and King Vajiravudh discussions took place between themselves and members of European royal families on choosing suitable equivalents. However, the European languages cannot convey the degree of subtlety apparent in the Thai system and anomalies occur. Although the Queen is Her Majesty, the Princess Mother, according to European custom is only Her Royal Highness, a rank equal to those of certain princes and princesses. In Europe the mother of a reigning king whose father has never been king cannot be a queen mother, as she was herself never a queen consort and is therefore known as the princess mother. That the present Princess Mother of Thailand was raised to the rank of Somdetch Phra Baromma with the right to seven levels of royal umbrellas during the reign of her son cannot be adequately conveyed in the English rendering of her title.
The Modern Monarchy
Chakri Dynasty
King Rama I
King Rama II
King Rama III
King Rama IV
King Rama V
King Rama VI
King Rama VII
King Rama VIII
King Rama IX
King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Queen Sirikit
BHUMIBOL
Fully aware of the changing nature of life, the monarchy in Thailand is constantly adapting itself to ensure that it fits in with the modern world and is able to respond to the needs of the people and society.
The Thai monarchy has a unique quality, and that is its adaptability to change, which has enabled it to flourish to this day. It has always shown exceptional compassion, relevance and vitality, particularly in the contemporary world.The first Thai kings ruled over Sukhothai, the first integrated Thai kingdom founded almost 800 years ago. It was during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great [1275-1317] that the ideal of a paternalistic ruler originated. Markedly different from the concept of divine right practised by the Khmers of that time, the ideal implies that the ruler be alert to the needs of his people and aware of the fact that this duty was to guide them.
This paternalistic ideal was at times lost during the long Ayutthaya period, when Khmer influence regarding kingship reappeared and the monarch became a lofty, inaccessible figure, rarely seen by most citizens. Nevertheless, the four-century era witnessed the reigns of some remarkable rulers, whose achievements were far-reaching.
With the founding of the Royal House of Chakri (Chakri Dynasty), in 1782, and the establishment of Bangkok as the capital, kingship was based primarily on adherence to the Buddhist concept of virtue. The Bangkok period produced a succession of unusually able rulers, capable of meeting a variety of challenges both to the country and to the monarchy itself.
Though it had lasted longer than most others in the world, largely due to wise rule by Chakri kings, the country's absolute monarchy finally came to an end on June 24, 1932, when a small group of civil servants and military officers staged a bloodless coup and demanded a constitution. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), who in any case was already thinking along such lines himself and had already drafted a constitution which had been debated in the Supreme Council of State, agreed an d thus became the first constitutional monarch. Three years later, unhappy with some of the results, he decided to abdicate; his nephew Prince Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), then a 10-year-old student in Switzerland, was chosen to f ollow him as eighth in the Chakri line.
Early Years
The man who has reigned longer than any previous Thai monarch and has earned such remarkable devotion from his subjects seemed far from the throne at the time of his birth in 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. King Prajadhipok still ruled at the time, and any children he might have would be first in succession. There was also his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkla, then studying medicine at Harvard University, as well as his older brother Prince Ananda Mahidol. The future King Bhumibol Adulyadej appea red likely to spend a more or less ordinary life, no doubt influenced by his father's strong determination to use his education and social position to improve public welfare, but doing so in relative obscurity.
Fate, however, determined otherwise. Prince Mahidol died in 1929, and the abdication of King Prajadhipok followed in 1935. For the first 11 years of his rule, the young King Ananda Mahidol remained mostly in Switzerland with his mother, sister, and y ounger brother, pursuing his studies while effectively cut off from his homeland by the World War. In 1946 he died in the Grand Palace while on a visit, and Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej, then 19 years old, suddenly found himself the ninth Chakri King. He subsequently returned to Luzern to complete his education, changing from science to political science and law in recognition of his new role.
Two years later, while on a visit to Fontainebleau, he met the beautiful young Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, daughter of the Thai ambassador to France, HRH Prince Nakkhatrmongkol Kitiyakara, Krommamun Chandapuri Suranath, and in 1948 their engagem ent was announced by the Government.
They were married in Bangkok on April 28, 1950, and seven days later His Majesty was crowned in ancient ceremonies held at the splendid Grand Palace from which his ancestors had ruled the kingdom. He himself, characteristically, has chosen to take as his official Bangkok residence the more modest Chitralada Villa, while steadfastly adhering to the momentous Oath of Succession to the Throne pledged during the coronation:
"We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people."
As a man, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has displayed a remarkable range of talents. He is a gifted musician and composer, particularly in the field of jazz; one of his songs was featured in a Broadway musical in the early 1950's and his skills have been a cknowledged by such masters as Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton. He was an enthusiastic sailor in the early years of his rule and won the Southeast Asia Peninsula Games gold medal in 1967. In addition, he can point to impressive achievements in the fiel ds of painting, photography, and engineering. Thanks to his international education and upbringing, he is fluent in three European languages and at ease in a variety of cultures. Undoubtedly, though, posterity will remember him most for his accomplishm ents as leader of Thai nation during a critical period in its history.
The Forging of a Modern Monarchy
Despite the panoply of time-honoured ritual that attended his coronation and the reverence felt by all Thais for the monarchy as an institution-scarcely dimmed even after the 1932 Revolution-King Bhumibol Adulyadej was actually confronted by an unprecedented challenge at the time he began his rule: how to fashion a concept of kingship that met the needs of a repidly changing society, at once traditional and creatively modern. It was a challenge as urgent as any faced by Chakri kings of the past, and the manner in which he has met it has truly defined his greatness as a ruler.
Perhaps the most important step taken by His Majesty in the process was his decision to bring the monarchy into direct contact with the provincial population. Despite the efforts of previous rulers, this had not been really feasible in the past, largely due to difficulties of travel outside the central region. It was not until 1927, after opening of the northern railway line, that the people of Chiang Mai saw their monarch for the first time, and only a few towns along the southern coast had been honoured with a royal visit. Following the abdication of King Prajadhipok, there was a period of nearly 20 years when the King was a remote personage to the vast majority of Thais, a face in a photograph or a name on an official proclamation. Many of them went about their daily lives in almost total isolation, little affected by events in far-off Bangkok and as a result, often feeling ignored by those in power.
Generally regarded as a milestone in altering this situation is the trip made by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1955, when he became the first ruler to visit the northeastern provinces, traditionally the poorest and most neglected in the country, with poor roads and hamlets that became all but inaccessible in the rainy season. Together with Queen Sirikit, he spent 22 arduous days touring the region, observing at first hand the problems of the people and talking with the enthusiastic crowds who walked for miles from obscure villages just to catch a glimpse of their king. The warmth of their greeting was unmistakable; so, too, was the extent of their needs as revealed in the conversations His Majesty had with those he met.
This method of personal encounter, particularly in rural areas, has become one of the major hallmarks of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign. Today he and members of his family spend almost seven months of the year in one or another of the royal residences which have been built outside of Bangkok: at Chiang Mai in the north, Sakon Nakhon in the northeast, Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand, and Narathiwat in the south. From these, defying discomforts and inconveniences, His Majesty has managed to visit every one of Thailand' s 76 provinces, going to even the most remote villages by helicoptor, jeep, train, boat, or, on occasion, by foot, to ascertain for himself local conditions. In the process he has become not only the most travelled monarch in Thai history but also the best informed about a wide range of rural difficulties, some of them peculiar to a certain locality and others common to an entire region. Moreover, he has become a father-like figure to millions of his subjects, who are no longer amazed to find him suddenly in their village squares, available for consultation about matters both trivial and serious.
Typically, before such a visit the consults maps, aerial photographs and remote sensing to acquaint himself as thoroughly as possible with the topographical and social features of the general area. Once there he talks with resident monks and farmers, as well as government officials, soliciting first-hand information on community needs and aspirations. By comparison with the ceremonial atmosphere that surrounds royal appearances in Ban gkok, these are remarkably informal sessions, with much of the initial are felt by villagers soon diminishing in actual contact with a ruler who clearly both listens and cares about their problems.
Often assisted by other members of the Royal Family, the King takes careful notes and later initiates steps to provide assistance, always working through the appropriate government agencies but sometimes using his own funds in the early stages to help a project get off the ground. He later established the Chai Pattana Foundation to help provide initial or emergency financial support for subsequent development projects. He never simply issues a directive: the impe tus comes from the local population, who must agree with the proposal and cooperate to see that it is successfully implemented.
Over 1,000 small-scale "royally-suggested" projects have been started in this way, covering the whole spectrum of rural problems in Thailand, from the introduction of new crops to water conservation, from swamp drainage to the preservation of national forests. In all, the aim has been sustainable development, serving not only immediate needs but also those of future generations by conserving the present environment and seeking to restore areas that have already suffered from misuse. Some of these projects, notably those involving crop substitution, have proved so successful that the United Nations hopes to emulate them in other countries facing similar problems.
One of the earliest and most innovative was His Majesty's Hilltribe Development Project in the North, now known as the Royal Project and encompassing lowland areas as well. The migratory tribal people who live in the mountainous region that forms Thailand's borders with Laos and Myanmar had been an increasing problem to the government, partly due to their slash-and-burn technique of clearing land, thus leading to widespread destruction of the native forest, and partly to their traditional cultivation of opium poppy, base material for heroin production. The Royal Project sought to address these problems and also to improve the lives of the tribal groups, who actually derived a bare subsistence income from their role in the international dr ug trade.
The programme has introduced a wide variety of crops-among them such temperate-zone plants as coffee, peaches, apricots, strawberries, lychees, apples, and chrysanthemums - which bring larger profits than opium and provided assistance in both methods of growing and marketing; in addition, it has brought educational and medical facilities to permanent settlements. The results can be seen clearly not only in tribal communities who have joined the project but also in the supermarkets of Bangkok and in the numerous new export products.
International recognition of the Royal Project's effectiveness has come in many forms, including financial grants and expert assistance by several foreign governments. In 1988, it was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, in the area of international understanding.
In the Northeast, where drought is a perennial problem, reserviors and other water-storage facilities were built and alternative crops tested to increase the income of farmers. Swamp drainage has been a concern of royal initiated projects in southern Thailand, together with land reclamation and preservation of mangrove forests. In a number of experimental centres set up at His Majesty's initiative near the Gulf of Thailand, various agencies are demonstrating ways that surrounding villagers can improve crop yields in the sandy soil; important new sources of income like the breeding of fresh-water prawns in ponds have also been introduced with notable results.
In recent decades an alarming proportion of Thailand's native forest cover has been lost, through both indiscriminate logging operations and the need for more agricultural land by an expanding population. Among the harmful results are increased erosion and a decrease of watershed resources, as well as destruction of the natural habitat of many wildlife species. Several of His Majesty's projects are seeking to relieve this situation through reafforestation, impro vement of existing farmlands, the planting of commercial fruit orchards, and programmes aimed at educating the public on the importance of preserving those forests that remain. Their Majesties have also spearheaded efforts to raise certain endangered species of wildlife in captivity and then release them in protected areas in the hope of saving them from extinction.
A much-publicized undertaking to help Thai farmers, one made possible through His Majesty's support in its early stages, has been the Royal Rain-Making Project. Through years of experimentation, 14 different chemical formulae have been devised for varying conditions of weather, location, and topography; specially-equipped planes use these to seed clouds in areas suffering from lack of rain, with results so successful that several neighbouring countries have called on Thai experts to he lp them with similar problems.
Such projects have not only brought enormous benefits to Thailand's rural population but have also given the monarchy a new image, linking it more intimately with the lives of ordinary Thais than ever before. The King is not merely a symbolic figure, reigning from a distant capital; he is a trusted ally working closely with them in the ancient struggle for a better life. The pictures of him and other members of the Royal Family that are displayed in homes and business establishments all over the country are thus signs of deep affection as well as reverence for an institution.
King Bhumibol Aduyadej's agricultural interests are evident even at his residence in Bangkok. On the grounds of Chitralada Villa--within plain view of passers-by--are fields of experimental rice, a herd of dairy cattle, and a plant to manufacture powdered milk. As long ago as 1952, His Majesty had large fish ponds dug in the compound, which he stocked with a fast-breeding variety known as tilapia nilotica obtained from Japan. When these proved adaptable to Thai conditions, spec imens were presented to villagers throughout the kingdom, thus providing a significant new addition to the provincial diet. In 1965, Japanese Crown Prince Akihito gave His Majesty 50 fish of a different type and these, too, were bred in Chitralada ponds. Given the Thai name pla nil by the King, they were distributed through the Department of Fisheries and have proved extremely popular with farmers. Today, some 16 countrywide fishery stations rear over 10 million pla nil annually.
Also in Bangkok, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has provided the impetus for clearing and improving the Makkasan Swamp, a large body of water formerly clogged with water hyacinth in the centre of the capital. At the King's suggestion the swamp is being dredged, provided with exit channels, and transformed into a useful part of the city's flood control system
The Thai monarchy has a unique quality, and that is its adaptability to change, which has enabled it to flourish to this day. It has always shown exceptional compassion, relevance and vitality, particularly in the contemporary world.The first Thai kings ruled over Sukhothai, the first integrated Thai kingdom founded almost 800 years ago. It was during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great [1275-1317] that the ideal of a paternalistic ruler originated. Markedly different from the concept of divine right practised by the Khmers of that time, the ideal implies that the ruler be alert to the needs of his people and aware of the fact that this duty was to guide them.
This paternalistic ideal was at times lost during the long Ayutthaya period, when Khmer influence regarding kingship reappeared and the monarch became a lofty, inaccessible figure, rarely seen by most citizens. Nevertheless, the four-century era witnessed the reigns of some remarkable rulers, whose achievements were far-reaching.
With the founding of the Royal House of Chakri (Chakri Dynasty), in 1782, and the establishment of Bangkok as the capital, kingship was based primarily on adherence to the Buddhist concept of virtue. The Bangkok period produced a succession of unusually able rulers, capable of meeting a variety of challenges both to the country and to the monarchy itself.
Though it had lasted longer than most others in the world, largely due to wise rule by Chakri kings, the country's absolute monarchy finally came to an end on June 24, 1932, when a small group of civil servants and military officers staged a bloodless coup and demanded a constitution. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), who in any case was already thinking along such lines himself and had already drafted a constitution which had been debated in the Supreme Council of State, agreed an d thus became the first constitutional monarch. Three years later, unhappy with some of the results, he decided to abdicate; his nephew Prince Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), then a 10-year-old student in Switzerland, was chosen to f ollow him as eighth in the Chakri line.
Early Years
The man who has reigned longer than any previous Thai monarch and has earned such remarkable devotion from his subjects seemed far from the throne at the time of his birth in 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. King Prajadhipok still ruled at the time, and any children he might have would be first in succession. There was also his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkla, then studying medicine at Harvard University, as well as his older brother Prince Ananda Mahidol. The future King Bhumibol Adulyadej appea red likely to spend a more or less ordinary life, no doubt influenced by his father's strong determination to use his education and social position to improve public welfare, but doing so in relative obscurity.
Fate, however, determined otherwise. Prince Mahidol died in 1929, and the abdication of King Prajadhipok followed in 1935. For the first 11 years of his rule, the young King Ananda Mahidol remained mostly in Switzerland with his mother, sister, and y ounger brother, pursuing his studies while effectively cut off from his homeland by the World War. In 1946 he died in the Grand Palace while on a visit, and Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej, then 19 years old, suddenly found himself the ninth Chakri King. He subsequently returned to Luzern to complete his education, changing from science to political science and law in recognition of his new role.
Two years later, while on a visit to Fontainebleau, he met the beautiful young Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, daughter of the Thai ambassador to France, HRH Prince Nakkhatrmongkol Kitiyakara, Krommamun Chandapuri Suranath, and in 1948 their engagem ent was announced by the Government.
They were married in Bangkok on April 28, 1950, and seven days later His Majesty was crowned in ancient ceremonies held at the splendid Grand Palace from which his ancestors had ruled the kingdom. He himself, characteristically, has chosen to take as his official Bangkok residence the more modest Chitralada Villa, while steadfastly adhering to the momentous Oath of Succession to the Throne pledged during the coronation:
"We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people."
As a man, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has displayed a remarkable range of talents. He is a gifted musician and composer, particularly in the field of jazz; one of his songs was featured in a Broadway musical in the early 1950's and his skills have been a cknowledged by such masters as Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton. He was an enthusiastic sailor in the early years of his rule and won the Southeast Asia Peninsula Games gold medal in 1967. In addition, he can point to impressive achievements in the fiel ds of painting, photography, and engineering. Thanks to his international education and upbringing, he is fluent in three European languages and at ease in a variety of cultures. Undoubtedly, though, posterity will remember him most for his accomplishm ents as leader of Thai nation during a critical period in its history.
The Forging of a Modern Monarchy
Despite the panoply of time-honoured ritual that attended his coronation and the reverence felt by all Thais for the monarchy as an institution-scarcely dimmed even after the 1932 Revolution-King Bhumibol Adulyadej was actually confronted by an unprecedented challenge at the time he began his rule: how to fashion a concept of kingship that met the needs of a repidly changing society, at once traditional and creatively modern. It was a challenge as urgent as any faced by Chakri kings of the past, and the manner in which he has met it has truly defined his greatness as a ruler.
Perhaps the most important step taken by His Majesty in the process was his decision to bring the monarchy into direct contact with the provincial population. Despite the efforts of previous rulers, this had not been really feasible in the past, largely due to difficulties of travel outside the central region. It was not until 1927, after opening of the northern railway line, that the people of Chiang Mai saw their monarch for the first time, and only a few towns along the southern coast had been honoured with a royal visit. Following the abdication of King Prajadhipok, there was a period of nearly 20 years when the King was a remote personage to the vast majority of Thais, a face in a photograph or a name on an official proclamation. Many of them went about their daily lives in almost total isolation, little affected by events in far-off Bangkok and as a result, often feeling ignored by those in power.
Generally regarded as a milestone in altering this situation is the trip made by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1955, when he became the first ruler to visit the northeastern provinces, traditionally the poorest and most neglected in the country, with poor roads and hamlets that became all but inaccessible in the rainy season. Together with Queen Sirikit, he spent 22 arduous days touring the region, observing at first hand the problems of the people and talking with the enthusiastic crowds who walked for miles from obscure villages just to catch a glimpse of their king. The warmth of their greeting was unmistakable; so, too, was the extent of their needs as revealed in the conversations His Majesty had with those he met.
This method of personal encounter, particularly in rural areas, has become one of the major hallmarks of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign. Today he and members of his family spend almost seven months of the year in one or another of the royal residences which have been built outside of Bangkok: at Chiang Mai in the north, Sakon Nakhon in the northeast, Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand, and Narathiwat in the south. From these, defying discomforts and inconveniences, His Majesty has managed to visit every one of Thailand' s 76 provinces, going to even the most remote villages by helicoptor, jeep, train, boat, or, on occasion, by foot, to ascertain for himself local conditions. In the process he has become not only the most travelled monarch in Thai history but also the best informed about a wide range of rural difficulties, some of them peculiar to a certain locality and others common to an entire region. Moreover, he has become a father-like figure to millions of his subjects, who are no longer amazed to find him suddenly in their village squares, available for consultation about matters both trivial and serious.
Typically, before such a visit the consults maps, aerial photographs and remote sensing to acquaint himself as thoroughly as possible with the topographical and social features of the general area. Once there he talks with resident monks and farmers, as well as government officials, soliciting first-hand information on community needs and aspirations. By comparison with the ceremonial atmosphere that surrounds royal appearances in Ban gkok, these are remarkably informal sessions, with much of the initial are felt by villagers soon diminishing in actual contact with a ruler who clearly both listens and cares about their problems.
Often assisted by other members of the Royal Family, the King takes careful notes and later initiates steps to provide assistance, always working through the appropriate government agencies but sometimes using his own funds in the early stages to help a project get off the ground. He later established the Chai Pattana Foundation to help provide initial or emergency financial support for subsequent development projects. He never simply issues a directive: the impe tus comes from the local population, who must agree with the proposal and cooperate to see that it is successfully implemented.
Over 1,000 small-scale "royally-suggested" projects have been started in this way, covering the whole spectrum of rural problems in Thailand, from the introduction of new crops to water conservation, from swamp drainage to the preservation of national forests. In all, the aim has been sustainable development, serving not only immediate needs but also those of future generations by conserving the present environment and seeking to restore areas that have already suffered from misuse. Some of these projects, notably those involving crop substitution, have proved so successful that the United Nations hopes to emulate them in other countries facing similar problems.
One of the earliest and most innovative was His Majesty's Hilltribe Development Project in the North, now known as the Royal Project and encompassing lowland areas as well. The migratory tribal people who live in the mountainous region that forms Thailand's borders with Laos and Myanmar had been an increasing problem to the government, partly due to their slash-and-burn technique of clearing land, thus leading to widespread destruction of the native forest, and partly to their traditional cultivation of opium poppy, base material for heroin production. The Royal Project sought to address these problems and also to improve the lives of the tribal groups, who actually derived a bare subsistence income from their role in the international dr ug trade.
The programme has introduced a wide variety of crops-among them such temperate-zone plants as coffee, peaches, apricots, strawberries, lychees, apples, and chrysanthemums - which bring larger profits than opium and provided assistance in both methods of growing and marketing; in addition, it has brought educational and medical facilities to permanent settlements. The results can be seen clearly not only in tribal communities who have joined the project but also in the supermarkets of Bangkok and in the numerous new export products.
International recognition of the Royal Project's effectiveness has come in many forms, including financial grants and expert assistance by several foreign governments. In 1988, it was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, in the area of international understanding.
In the Northeast, where drought is a perennial problem, reserviors and other water-storage facilities were built and alternative crops tested to increase the income of farmers. Swamp drainage has been a concern of royal initiated projects in southern Thailand, together with land reclamation and preservation of mangrove forests. In a number of experimental centres set up at His Majesty's initiative near the Gulf of Thailand, various agencies are demonstrating ways that surrounding villagers can improve crop yields in the sandy soil; important new sources of income like the breeding of fresh-water prawns in ponds have also been introduced with notable results.
In recent decades an alarming proportion of Thailand's native forest cover has been lost, through both indiscriminate logging operations and the need for more agricultural land by an expanding population. Among the harmful results are increased erosion and a decrease of watershed resources, as well as destruction of the natural habitat of many wildlife species. Several of His Majesty's projects are seeking to relieve this situation through reafforestation, impro vement of existing farmlands, the planting of commercial fruit orchards, and programmes aimed at educating the public on the importance of preserving those forests that remain. Their Majesties have also spearheaded efforts to raise certain endangered species of wildlife in captivity and then release them in protected areas in the hope of saving them from extinction.
A much-publicized undertaking to help Thai farmers, one made possible through His Majesty's support in its early stages, has been the Royal Rain-Making Project. Through years of experimentation, 14 different chemical formulae have been devised for varying conditions of weather, location, and topography; specially-equipped planes use these to seed clouds in areas suffering from lack of rain, with results so successful that several neighbouring countries have called on Thai experts to he lp them with similar problems.
Such projects have not only brought enormous benefits to Thailand's rural population but have also given the monarchy a new image, linking it more intimately with the lives of ordinary Thais than ever before. The King is not merely a symbolic figure, reigning from a distant capital; he is a trusted ally working closely with them in the ancient struggle for a better life. The pictures of him and other members of the Royal Family that are displayed in homes and business establishments all over the country are thus signs of deep affection as well as reverence for an institution.
King Bhumibol Aduyadej's agricultural interests are evident even at his residence in Bangkok. On the grounds of Chitralada Villa--within plain view of passers-by--are fields of experimental rice, a herd of dairy cattle, and a plant to manufacture powdered milk. As long ago as 1952, His Majesty had large fish ponds dug in the compound, which he stocked with a fast-breeding variety known as tilapia nilotica obtained from Japan. When these proved adaptable to Thai conditions, spec imens were presented to villagers throughout the kingdom, thus providing a significant new addition to the provincial diet. In 1965, Japanese Crown Prince Akihito gave His Majesty 50 fish of a different type and these, too, were bred in Chitralada ponds. Given the Thai name pla nil by the King, they were distributed through the Department of Fisheries and have proved extremely popular with farmers. Today, some 16 countrywide fishery stations rear over 10 million pla nil annually.
Also in Bangkok, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has provided the impetus for clearing and improving the Makkasan Swamp, a large body of water formerly clogged with water hyacinth in the centre of the capital. At the King's suggestion the swamp is being dredged, provided with exit channels, and transformed into a useful part of the city's flood control system
SIRIKIT
Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat (Thai: สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ; Literally: "Her Majesty Queen Regent Sirikit"; listen (help·info); born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara on August 12, 1932), is the queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand. She is the second Queen Regent of Thailand (the first Queen Regent was Queen Saovabha Bongsri of Siam, later Queen Sri Patcharindra, the queen mother). As the consort of the king who currently is the world's longest reigning head of state, she is also the world's longest serving consort of a monarch.
Contents[hide]
1 Early life
2 Education
3 Marriage
4 Regency
5 Children
6 Cultural identity
7 Books and writing
8 Charitable works and honors
9 Health
10 Awards
11 Honorary Degrees
12 Title and ranks
13 Ancestry
14 References
//
[edit] Early life
Queen Sirikit was born on August 12, 1932, at the home of Lord Vongsanuprabhand, her maternal grandfather. She is the eldest daughter and the third child of Prince Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara, the son of Prince Kitiyakara Voraluksana, Prince of Chanthaburi I and Mom Luang Bua Sanitvongse. Her name was given by King Prajadhipok. Her name means the Greatness of Kitiyakara.
She has 3 siblings; 2 elder brothers and a younger sister:
Prof. Mom Rajawongse Galyanakit Kitiyakara, M.D. (born September 20, 1929, died May 15, 1987)
Mom Rajawongse Adulyakit Kitiyakara (born November 2, 1930, died May 5, 2004)
Mom Rajawongse Busba Kitiyakara (born August 2, 1934)
After her birth, Sirikit was raised by her maternal grandparents for a year. Soon after her birth, her father went to United States to work as the secretary of the Siamese Royal Embassy at Washington D.C.. Her mother joined her husband three months later. At the age of one, her parents returned to Thailand. Sirikit lived together with her family in Dheves Palace, near Chao Phraya River, Bangkok.
As a child, Sirikit often had outdoor visits with her paternal grandmother. Once in 1933, she traveled with Princess Absornsamarn Devakul following King Prajadhipok’s tour in Songkla.
[edit] Education
The King and Queen after their wedding on the 28 April 1950.
Royal Family of Thailand
HM The KingHM The Queen
HRH The Crown PrinceHRH Princess Srirasmi
HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana
HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak
HRH Princess Siribhachudhabhorn
HRH Princess Adityadhornkitikhun
Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya
Khun Ploypailin Jensen
Khun Sirikitiya Jensen
HRH Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda
HRH Princess Soamsavali Kitiyakara
HH Princess Inthuratna Paribatra
Thanpuying Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram
v • d • e
At age 4, Sirikit attended the Kindergarten College at Rajini School (sometimes named as the Queen’s college). She studied until her first year at the primary level. During that time was the Pacific War, and Bangkok was attacked many times, thus causing unsafe transportation. She then moved to Saint Francis Xavier Convent School, because it was near the palace. She studied at that school from her second year at the primary level to the secondary level.
In 1946, when the war ended, her father moved to the United Kingdom to work as the ambassador to the Court of St. James's, taking his family with him. At that time, Sirikit was 13 and had graduated the secondary level. While staying in England, she learned to play the piano and learned English and French. She and her family moved to various countries including Denmark and France. While staying in France, she studied at a music academy in Paris.
In France, she met King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who at that time had ascended to the throne and had been studying at Switzerland. Sirikit welcomed the king by accompanying him to various tourist attractions. Both the king and Sirikit happened to be staying at the Thai Royal Embassy in Paris, as well as a few other students. Both the king and Sirikit found common grounds on their likes and dislikes and thus began a relationship.
[edit] Marriage
Queen Sirikit during a parade in New York City, July 1960.
On 4 October 1948, while Bhumibol was driving a Fiat Topolino on the Geneva-Lausanne road, he collided into the rear of a braking truck 10 km outside of Lausanne. He hurt his back and incurred cuts on his face that cost him sight in his right eye. He subsequently wore an ocular prosthetic. While he was hospitalised in Lausanne, Sirikit visited him frequently. She met his mother, The Princess Mother Sangval, who asked her to continue her studies nearby so that the king could get to know her better. Bhumibol selected for her a boarding school in Lausanne, Riante Rive. A quiet engagement in Lausanne followed on 19 July 1949, and the couple married on 28 April 1950, just a week before his coronation.
The marriage took place at Srapathum Palace. Queen Sri Savarindira, the Queen Grandmother presided over the marriage ceremony. Both the king and Sirikit signed their name in their marriage licenses. Later, she received the Order of the Royal House of Chakri, and then became queen. Later, after the coronation ceremony on May 5, 1950, both went back to Switzerland to study and came back to Bangkok again in 1952.
[edit] Regency
When the king undertook a period of service as a Buddhist monk in 1956 (as is customary for all Thai Buddhist males), Queen Sirikit became regent. She performed her duties so satisfactorily that she was made queen regent and given the style of "Somdej Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat" by her husband on his birthday, December 5, 1956. Upon this inception, she became the second Siamese queen regent. The first queen regent was Queen Saovabha Bongsri of Siam, who was regent when her husband King Chulalongkorn travelled to Europe. (later Queen Sri Patcharindra, the queen mother)
[edit] Children
Sirikit in Germany with President Heinrich Lübke and his wife Wilhelmine, 1960.
The couple has 4 children; 3 daughters and a son:
(Formerly HRH) Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, born April 5 1951 in Lausanne, Switzerland; married Peter Ladd Jensen, has 2 daughters (one son deceased)
HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, born July 28 1952; married first time with Mom Luang Soamsavali Kitiyakara (later divorced and became HRH the Princess Niece); has 1 daughter. Then married second time with Yuvadhida Polpraserth; has 4 sons and a daughter. And married third time with Srirasmi Akharaphongpreecha; has one son.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, born April 2 1955; unmarried
HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, born July 4 1957; married Virayudh Didyasarin, (then divorced); has 2 daughters
[edit] Cultural identity
Queen Sirikit's birthday, like the king's, is a national holiday, and is also Mothers' Day in the country. She is particularly revered in the more remote and traditional parts of the country, where the monarchy is regarded as semi-divine. Her work in promoting tolerance and understanding for the Muslim minorities in the southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat have made her especially popular amongst the local Muslim populace. The queen has a strong bond with southern Thailand. She spends months in the Muslim-majority provinces every year. This role of the queen is considered to be as one of the more quiet diplomats.[1]
[edit] Books and writing
Royal flag of Queen Sirikit, often seen around Thailand in August (near her birthday and Mother's day).
Queen Sirikit published the book In Memory of my European Trip in 1964, her memoirs describing her time in Europe with the king. It was this book that made the people realise that she was a talented writer. Moreover, she composed many songs for performing with The Handsome Band, the music band of the palace.
The songs she composed were:
Chao Chom Kwan (เจ้าจอมขวัญ)
Thas Ther (ทาสเธอ)
Sai Yud (สายหยุด)
Nang Yam (นางแย้ม)
[edit] Charitable works and honors
Queen Sirikit is well-known for her charitable work, where she is the honorary president of the Thai Red Cross, a post she has held since 1956. She gained new prominence in this role in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster in southern Thailand in December 2004. She has also been active in relief work for the many refugees from Cambodia and Burma who have sought refuge in Thailand.
Many things in Thailand have been named after the Queen:
The Queen Sirikit Medical Center building , Ramathibodi Hospital
The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer, a new 10 storey hospital in Bangkok
the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok
the Queen Sirikit Park in Bangkok
the Sirikit Dam on the Nan River, Uttaradit Province
the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai Province
the Queen Sirikit Arboretum Garden, Pathum Thani Province
the Queen Sirikit Cup, an annual Asian-Pacific golf Teams Event
the Queen Sirikit Crab (Thaiphusa sirikit)
the Queen Sirikit Rose
the Queen's Cup, annual football competition
The queen is also active in promoting Thai culture and history, mainly because of her initiative in the making of the Thai movie The Legend of Suriyothai, one of the most lavish and expensive Thai movies ever made.[2]
[edit] Health
While it is impossible to reference due to the sensitive nature of much to do with the health of the Thai royal family, there are reports that Sirikit takes many steroids due to various health conditions. This may explain the puffiness in her cheeks that did not exist when she was younger.
[edit] Awards
Year
Award
Awarder
1979
CERES Gold Medal
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
1985
Humanitarian Award
Asia Society
1986
Best Conservationist Certificate
World Wildlife Fund
1990
Immigration and Refugee Policy Award
The Center of Migration Studies
1991
International Humanitarian Award
Friends of the National Children's Museum, Washington D.C.
1992
Gold Medal for Outstanding Leadership
Asian Institute of Technology
1992
UNESCO Borobudur Gold Medal
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
1992
UNICEF Special Recognition Award
United Nations Children's Fund
1992
Award of Excellence
United Nations Development Fund for Women
1992
UNEP Gold Medal of Distinction
United Nations Environment Programme
1993
Woman of the Year 1993 Award
Stanford University
1995
1995 Lindbergh Award
The Lindbergh Foundation
2000
Merite de Invention
The Belgian Chamber of Inventors
2001
Special Prix
Bulgarian American Chamber of Commercial and Industry
2002
Louis Pasteur Award
International Sericultural Commission
2002
Award for Humanitarian Service
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
2004
IUCN Gold Medal
International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
2005
Food Safety Award
World Health Organization
[edit] Honorary Degrees
Year
Field
Academy
1957
Social Work
Thammasat University
1960
Public Health
Mahidol University
1961
Political Science
Chulalongkorn University
1962
Home Economics
Kasetsart University
1963
Humanities
Centro Escolar University (Philippines)
1965
Decorative Arts
Silpakorn University
1969
Agriculture
Khon Kaen University
1970
Psychology
Chiang Mai University
1970
Development Economics
National Institute of Development Administration
1981
Humane Letters
Tufts University (United States of America)
1983
Political Science
Thammasat University
1984
Industrial Design
Chulalongkorn University
1984
Home Economics
Sukhothai Thammathirat University
1988
Medicine
Mahidol University
1989
Forestry
Thammasat University
1989
Business Administration
Khon Kaen University
1990
Industrial Design
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
1990
Vocational Education Administration
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
1990
Public Health
Sukhothai Thammathirat University
1991
Finance
Khon Kaen University
1991
General Administration
Ramkhamhaeng University
1992
Technology of Environmental Management
Mahidol University
1992
Education
Chulalongkorn University
1992
Marketing
Kasetsart University
1992
Thai Arts
Silpakorn University
1993
Humane Letters
Georgetown University (United States of America)
1995
Humane Letters
Johns Hopkins University (United States of America)
1997
Philosophy
Tokai University (Japan)
2000
Thai Language
Thaksin University
2003
Visual Communication Design
Khon Kaen University
2004
Textile, Costume,Garment and Fashion Design
Thammasat University
2004
Social Development Management
Khon Kaen University
2004
Natural Resource Management
King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
2004
Environmental Management
Prince of Songkla University
2005
Food Science
Kasetsart University
2006
Cultural Studies
Rajabhat Songkla University
2007
Eastern Languages and Cultures
University of Saint Petersburg (Russia)
[edit] Title and ranks
Styles ofQueen Sirikit of Thailand
Reference style
Her Majesty
Spoken style
Your Majesty
Alternative style
Ma'am
Her formal name and title is Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat (Thai: สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ; "Her Majesty Queen Regent Sirikit"). However, her official title is just Queen Sirikit.
At present, the queen ranks as Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force, usually mentioned in official documents that: Chom Phon Ying Chom Phon Ruea Ying Chom Phon Akat Ying Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat (Thai: จอมพลหญิง จอมพลเรือหญิง จอมพลอากาศหญิง สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ; "Her Majesty Queen Regent Sirikit, the Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force"). The queen holds ceremonial supreme power, after her husband who ranks as the Head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, among the Royal Thai Army.
12 August 1932 - 28 April 1950: The Honourable (English style) or Mom Rajawongse (Thai style) Sirikit Kitiyakara
28 April 1950 - 5 December 1956: Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand
5 December 1956 - present: Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Queen Regent of Thailand
In 1976, the Thai government gave an honor to the queen by commemorating Mother's Day as an annual holiday, celebrated on August 12 (the queen's birthday) annually.
[edit] Ancestry
Ancestors of Her Majesty the Queen Regent Sirikit of Thailand
Queen Sirikit
Father:Prince Nakkhratra Mangkala Kitiyakara, Prince of Chunthaburi II
Paternal Grandfather:Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana, Prince of Chunthaburi I
Paternal Great-grandfather:Chulalongkorn, Rama V of Siam
Paternal Great-grandmother:Chao Chom Manda Uam
Paternal Grandmother:Princess Absornsamarn Devakul
Paternal Great-grandfather:Prince Devan Uthayawongse, the Prince Dhevawongse Varopakarn
Paternal Great-grandmother:Mom Yai (Sucharitkul) Devakul
Mother:Mom Luang Bua Snidwongse
Maternal Grandfather:Lord Vongsanuprabhandu(Mom Rajawongse Sadan Snidwongse)
Maternal Great-grandfather:Prince Sai Snidwongse
Maternal Great-grandmother:Mom Kian Snidwongse na Ayudhya
Maternal Grandmother:Dame Vanidabicharini(Bang Snidwongse na Ayudhya)
Maternal Great-grandfather:Lord Rajapakdi (Ko Sucharitkul)
Maternal Great-grandmother:unknown
[edit] References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Queen Sirikit of Thailand
^ Kylie Morris. (2004, 16 November). Thai Queen's plea to end violence. BBC News. [Online]. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4017485.stm. (Accessed: 7 July 2008).
^ BBC News. (2001, 23 November). [Online]. Thailand's Suriyothai beats Titanic. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1672246.stm. (Accessed: 7 July 2008).
Sirikit
Chakri DynastyBorn: 12 August 1932
Regnal titles
Preceded byRamphaiphanni
Queen Consort of Thailand1951 – present
Incumbent
[hide]
v • d • eQueens and Consorts of the Chakri Dynasty
First Reign
Amarindra
Second Reign
Sri Suriyendra • Sri Sulalai
Fourth Reign
Soamanas Vadhanavadi • Debsirindra • Pannarai
Fifth Reign
Sunandha Kumariratana • Sukhumala Marasri • Savang Vadhana • Saovabha Bongsri
Sixth Reign
Laksamilawan • Sucharit Suda • Indrasakdi Sachi • Suvadhana
Seventh Reign
Rambhai Barni
Contents[hide]
1 Early life
2 Education
3 Marriage
4 Regency
5 Children
6 Cultural identity
7 Books and writing
8 Charitable works and honors
9 Health
10 Awards
11 Honorary Degrees
12 Title and ranks
13 Ancestry
14 References
//
[edit] Early life
Queen Sirikit was born on August 12, 1932, at the home of Lord Vongsanuprabhand, her maternal grandfather. She is the eldest daughter and the third child of Prince Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara, the son of Prince Kitiyakara Voraluksana, Prince of Chanthaburi I and Mom Luang Bua Sanitvongse. Her name was given by King Prajadhipok. Her name means the Greatness of Kitiyakara.
She has 3 siblings; 2 elder brothers and a younger sister:
Prof. Mom Rajawongse Galyanakit Kitiyakara, M.D. (born September 20, 1929, died May 15, 1987)
Mom Rajawongse Adulyakit Kitiyakara (born November 2, 1930, died May 5, 2004)
Mom Rajawongse Busba Kitiyakara (born August 2, 1934)
After her birth, Sirikit was raised by her maternal grandparents for a year. Soon after her birth, her father went to United States to work as the secretary of the Siamese Royal Embassy at Washington D.C.. Her mother joined her husband three months later. At the age of one, her parents returned to Thailand. Sirikit lived together with her family in Dheves Palace, near Chao Phraya River, Bangkok.
As a child, Sirikit often had outdoor visits with her paternal grandmother. Once in 1933, she traveled with Princess Absornsamarn Devakul following King Prajadhipok’s tour in Songkla.
[edit] Education
The King and Queen after their wedding on the 28 April 1950.
Royal Family of Thailand
HM The KingHM The Queen
HRH The Crown PrinceHRH Princess Srirasmi
HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana
HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak
HRH Princess Siribhachudhabhorn
HRH Princess Adityadhornkitikhun
Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya
Khun Ploypailin Jensen
Khun Sirikitiya Jensen
HRH Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda
HRH Princess Soamsavali Kitiyakara
HH Princess Inthuratna Paribatra
Thanpuying Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram
v • d • e
At age 4, Sirikit attended the Kindergarten College at Rajini School (sometimes named as the Queen’s college). She studied until her first year at the primary level. During that time was the Pacific War, and Bangkok was attacked many times, thus causing unsafe transportation. She then moved to Saint Francis Xavier Convent School, because it was near the palace. She studied at that school from her second year at the primary level to the secondary level.
In 1946, when the war ended, her father moved to the United Kingdom to work as the ambassador to the Court of St. James's, taking his family with him. At that time, Sirikit was 13 and had graduated the secondary level. While staying in England, she learned to play the piano and learned English and French. She and her family moved to various countries including Denmark and France. While staying in France, she studied at a music academy in Paris.
In France, she met King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who at that time had ascended to the throne and had been studying at Switzerland. Sirikit welcomed the king by accompanying him to various tourist attractions. Both the king and Sirikit happened to be staying at the Thai Royal Embassy in Paris, as well as a few other students. Both the king and Sirikit found common grounds on their likes and dislikes and thus began a relationship.
[edit] Marriage
Queen Sirikit during a parade in New York City, July 1960.
On 4 October 1948, while Bhumibol was driving a Fiat Topolino on the Geneva-Lausanne road, he collided into the rear of a braking truck 10 km outside of Lausanne. He hurt his back and incurred cuts on his face that cost him sight in his right eye. He subsequently wore an ocular prosthetic. While he was hospitalised in Lausanne, Sirikit visited him frequently. She met his mother, The Princess Mother Sangval, who asked her to continue her studies nearby so that the king could get to know her better. Bhumibol selected for her a boarding school in Lausanne, Riante Rive. A quiet engagement in Lausanne followed on 19 July 1949, and the couple married on 28 April 1950, just a week before his coronation.
The marriage took place at Srapathum Palace. Queen Sri Savarindira, the Queen Grandmother presided over the marriage ceremony. Both the king and Sirikit signed their name in their marriage licenses. Later, she received the Order of the Royal House of Chakri, and then became queen. Later, after the coronation ceremony on May 5, 1950, both went back to Switzerland to study and came back to Bangkok again in 1952.
[edit] Regency
When the king undertook a period of service as a Buddhist monk in 1956 (as is customary for all Thai Buddhist males), Queen Sirikit became regent. She performed her duties so satisfactorily that she was made queen regent and given the style of "Somdej Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat" by her husband on his birthday, December 5, 1956. Upon this inception, she became the second Siamese queen regent. The first queen regent was Queen Saovabha Bongsri of Siam, who was regent when her husband King Chulalongkorn travelled to Europe. (later Queen Sri Patcharindra, the queen mother)
[edit] Children
Sirikit in Germany with President Heinrich Lübke and his wife Wilhelmine, 1960.
The couple has 4 children; 3 daughters and a son:
(Formerly HRH) Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, born April 5 1951 in Lausanne, Switzerland; married Peter Ladd Jensen, has 2 daughters (one son deceased)
HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, born July 28 1952; married first time with Mom Luang Soamsavali Kitiyakara (later divorced and became HRH the Princess Niece); has 1 daughter. Then married second time with Yuvadhida Polpraserth; has 4 sons and a daughter. And married third time with Srirasmi Akharaphongpreecha; has one son.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, born April 2 1955; unmarried
HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, born July 4 1957; married Virayudh Didyasarin, (then divorced); has 2 daughters
[edit] Cultural identity
Queen Sirikit's birthday, like the king's, is a national holiday, and is also Mothers' Day in the country. She is particularly revered in the more remote and traditional parts of the country, where the monarchy is regarded as semi-divine. Her work in promoting tolerance and understanding for the Muslim minorities in the southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat have made her especially popular amongst the local Muslim populace. The queen has a strong bond with southern Thailand. She spends months in the Muslim-majority provinces every year. This role of the queen is considered to be as one of the more quiet diplomats.[1]
[edit] Books and writing
Royal flag of Queen Sirikit, often seen around Thailand in August (near her birthday and Mother's day).
Queen Sirikit published the book In Memory of my European Trip in 1964, her memoirs describing her time in Europe with the king. It was this book that made the people realise that she was a talented writer. Moreover, she composed many songs for performing with The Handsome Band, the music band of the palace.
The songs she composed were:
Chao Chom Kwan (เจ้าจอมขวัญ)
Thas Ther (ทาสเธอ)
Sai Yud (สายหยุด)
Nang Yam (นางแย้ม)
[edit] Charitable works and honors
Queen Sirikit is well-known for her charitable work, where she is the honorary president of the Thai Red Cross, a post she has held since 1956. She gained new prominence in this role in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster in southern Thailand in December 2004. She has also been active in relief work for the many refugees from Cambodia and Burma who have sought refuge in Thailand.
Many things in Thailand have been named after the Queen:
The Queen Sirikit Medical Center building , Ramathibodi Hospital
The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer, a new 10 storey hospital in Bangkok
the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok
the Queen Sirikit Park in Bangkok
the Sirikit Dam on the Nan River, Uttaradit Province
the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai Province
the Queen Sirikit Arboretum Garden, Pathum Thani Province
the Queen Sirikit Cup, an annual Asian-Pacific golf Teams Event
the Queen Sirikit Crab (Thaiphusa sirikit)
the Queen Sirikit Rose
the Queen's Cup, annual football competition
The queen is also active in promoting Thai culture and history, mainly because of her initiative in the making of the Thai movie The Legend of Suriyothai, one of the most lavish and expensive Thai movies ever made.[2]
[edit] Health
While it is impossible to reference due to the sensitive nature of much to do with the health of the Thai royal family, there are reports that Sirikit takes many steroids due to various health conditions. This may explain the puffiness in her cheeks that did not exist when she was younger.
[edit] Awards
Year
Award
Awarder
1979
CERES Gold Medal
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
1985
Humanitarian Award
Asia Society
1986
Best Conservationist Certificate
World Wildlife Fund
1990
Immigration and Refugee Policy Award
The Center of Migration Studies
1991
International Humanitarian Award
Friends of the National Children's Museum, Washington D.C.
1992
Gold Medal for Outstanding Leadership
Asian Institute of Technology
1992
UNESCO Borobudur Gold Medal
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
1992
UNICEF Special Recognition Award
United Nations Children's Fund
1992
Award of Excellence
United Nations Development Fund for Women
1992
UNEP Gold Medal of Distinction
United Nations Environment Programme
1993
Woman of the Year 1993 Award
Stanford University
1995
1995 Lindbergh Award
The Lindbergh Foundation
2000
Merite de Invention
The Belgian Chamber of Inventors
2001
Special Prix
Bulgarian American Chamber of Commercial and Industry
2002
Louis Pasteur Award
International Sericultural Commission
2002
Award for Humanitarian Service
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
2004
IUCN Gold Medal
International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
2005
Food Safety Award
World Health Organization
[edit] Honorary Degrees
Year
Field
Academy
1957
Social Work
Thammasat University
1960
Public Health
Mahidol University
1961
Political Science
Chulalongkorn University
1962
Home Economics
Kasetsart University
1963
Humanities
Centro Escolar University (Philippines)
1965
Decorative Arts
Silpakorn University
1969
Agriculture
Khon Kaen University
1970
Psychology
Chiang Mai University
1970
Development Economics
National Institute of Development Administration
1981
Humane Letters
Tufts University (United States of America)
1983
Political Science
Thammasat University
1984
Industrial Design
Chulalongkorn University
1984
Home Economics
Sukhothai Thammathirat University
1988
Medicine
Mahidol University
1989
Forestry
Thammasat University
1989
Business Administration
Khon Kaen University
1990
Industrial Design
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
1990
Vocational Education Administration
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
1990
Public Health
Sukhothai Thammathirat University
1991
Finance
Khon Kaen University
1991
General Administration
Ramkhamhaeng University
1992
Technology of Environmental Management
Mahidol University
1992
Education
Chulalongkorn University
1992
Marketing
Kasetsart University
1992
Thai Arts
Silpakorn University
1993
Humane Letters
Georgetown University (United States of America)
1995
Humane Letters
Johns Hopkins University (United States of America)
1997
Philosophy
Tokai University (Japan)
2000
Thai Language
Thaksin University
2003
Visual Communication Design
Khon Kaen University
2004
Textile, Costume,Garment and Fashion Design
Thammasat University
2004
Social Development Management
Khon Kaen University
2004
Natural Resource Management
King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
2004
Environmental Management
Prince of Songkla University
2005
Food Science
Kasetsart University
2006
Cultural Studies
Rajabhat Songkla University
2007
Eastern Languages and Cultures
University of Saint Petersburg (Russia)
[edit] Title and ranks
Styles ofQueen Sirikit of Thailand
Reference style
Her Majesty
Spoken style
Your Majesty
Alternative style
Ma'am
Her formal name and title is Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat (Thai: สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ; "Her Majesty Queen Regent Sirikit"). However, her official title is just Queen Sirikit.
At present, the queen ranks as Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force, usually mentioned in official documents that: Chom Phon Ying Chom Phon Ruea Ying Chom Phon Akat Ying Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat (Thai: จอมพลหญิง จอมพลเรือหญิง จอมพลอากาศหญิง สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ; "Her Majesty Queen Regent Sirikit, the Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force"). The queen holds ceremonial supreme power, after her husband who ranks as the Head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, among the Royal Thai Army.
12 August 1932 - 28 April 1950: The Honourable (English style) or Mom Rajawongse (Thai style) Sirikit Kitiyakara
28 April 1950 - 5 December 1956: Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand
5 December 1956 - present: Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Queen Regent of Thailand
In 1976, the Thai government gave an honor to the queen by commemorating Mother's Day as an annual holiday, celebrated on August 12 (the queen's birthday) annually.
[edit] Ancestry
Ancestors of Her Majesty the Queen Regent Sirikit of Thailand
Queen Sirikit
Father:Prince Nakkhratra Mangkala Kitiyakara, Prince of Chunthaburi II
Paternal Grandfather:Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana, Prince of Chunthaburi I
Paternal Great-grandfather:Chulalongkorn, Rama V of Siam
Paternal Great-grandmother:Chao Chom Manda Uam
Paternal Grandmother:Princess Absornsamarn Devakul
Paternal Great-grandfather:Prince Devan Uthayawongse, the Prince Dhevawongse Varopakarn
Paternal Great-grandmother:Mom Yai (Sucharitkul) Devakul
Mother:Mom Luang Bua Snidwongse
Maternal Grandfather:Lord Vongsanuprabhandu(Mom Rajawongse Sadan Snidwongse)
Maternal Great-grandfather:Prince Sai Snidwongse
Maternal Great-grandmother:Mom Kian Snidwongse na Ayudhya
Maternal Grandmother:Dame Vanidabicharini(Bang Snidwongse na Ayudhya)
Maternal Great-grandfather:Lord Rajapakdi (Ko Sucharitkul)
Maternal Great-grandmother:unknown
[edit] References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Queen Sirikit of Thailand
^ Kylie Morris. (2004, 16 November). Thai Queen's plea to end violence. BBC News. [Online]. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4017485.stm. (Accessed: 7 July 2008).
^ BBC News. (2001, 23 November). [Online]. Thailand's Suriyothai beats Titanic. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1672246.stm. (Accessed: 7 July 2008).
Sirikit
Chakri DynastyBorn: 12 August 1932
Regnal titles
Preceded byRamphaiphanni
Queen Consort of Thailand1951 – present
Incumbent
[hide]
v • d • eQueens and Consorts of the Chakri Dynasty
First Reign
Amarindra
Second Reign
Sri Suriyendra • Sri Sulalai
Fourth Reign
Soamanas Vadhanavadi • Debsirindra • Pannarai
Fifth Reign
Sunandha Kumariratana • Sukhumala Marasri • Savang Vadhana • Saovabha Bongsri
Sixth Reign
Laksamilawan • Sucharit Suda • Indrasakdi Sachi • Suvadhana
Seventh Reign
Rambhai Barni
PERINGATAN KEPADA PEMBACA BLOG.
Saya memberi amaran kepada pembaca blog jangan sesekali menyakiti cuba kita fikirkan apa guna menyakiti?.Saya rakyat thai malaysia bangga negara asal usul tok nenek saya.jangan menyakiti kepada bangsa siam.
SEJARAH BALAI BOMBA NEGERI KEDAH.
Sebelum tahun 1934 lagi Balai Bomba Alor Star telah pun wujud dan beroperasi dengankeanggotaan seramai 4 orang Fireman. Pada masa itu Balai Bomba merupakan sebuah garaj dan sebuah Land Rover bersama trailer bertempat di Pejabat Tanah Negeri Kedah sekarang ini iaitu berhampiran dengan Balai Besar.Di dalam tahun 1939 dipercayai Balai Bomba telah dipindahkan ke bangunan yang ada sekarang ini di Jalan Raja, Alor Setar. Bangunan tersebut yang mempunyai ruang jentera, pejabat dan 2 unit kuarters. Sebelum ini bangunan tersebut digunakan oleh Polis, Bahagian Trafik disediakan dengan kemudahan Bilik Kawalan dengan satu talian telefon bernombor 221 bagi panggilan kecemasan dan biasa.Semasa Perang Dunia Kedua pada tahun 1941 Balai Bomba berkenaan masih di tempat yang sama. Bantuan keanggotaan dan pengawasan adalah dibawah Polis Alor Setar. Pada masa ini sebanyak 2 buah jentera Bomba iaitu sebuah jentera jenis Dennis No. K 2209 dan sebuah jentera water tender 500 gelen bernombor K 8437. Semasa Malayan Union dalam tahun 1946 Balai ini mempunyai keanggotaan seramai 4 orang Fireman dan seorang pemandu iaitu Encik Yaakob bin Lebai Amin dengan diketuai oleh Leading Fireman Encik Abu Bakar bin Haji Saad yang juga menjalankan tugas pemandu.Di dalam tahun 1949, Perkhidmatan Bomba telah diletakkan di bawah Pentadbiran “Town Board” di mana Balai Bomba Alor Setar telah tertakluk di bawah bidang kuasa Majlis Daerah Alor Setar dimana “Chairman” Town Board adalah berkuasa penuh kepada Perkhidmatan Bomba ini.
Pada tahun 1951, jawatan “Station Officer” diwujudkan dan Encik Kassim bin Mansor yang berpangkat “Superintendent” telah menjawat jawatan tersebut. “Station Officer” bukan sahaja bertanggunjawab kepada Balai Bomba Alor Setar malah dipertanggungjawabkan sebagai Penyelia Perkhidmatan Bomba Negeri Kedah. Pada masa ini keanggotaan telah bertambah mempunyai 3 orang leading fireman iaitu Encik Yaakob, Encik Ghaffar dan Tuan Syed Zain dan terdapat seramai 15 orang fireman.Bagi menampung keperluan keanggotaan ini, maka pada penghujung tahun 1952 penambahan 3 blok quarters (quarters sekarang) telah didirikan dengan pendaftaran PWD 129, PWD 564 dan PWD 565.Pada tahun 1958 sebuah jentera baru jenis Bedford No. K 5281, 500 gelen telah dibekalkan bagi menggantikan jentera Bedford yang sediada yang telah rosak.Di dalam tahun 1961 Balai ini telah mendapatkan penambahan sebuah jentera dari jenis Wheel Escape Ledder (KA 1681) diikuti pula pada tahun 1964 gantian sebuah lagi jentera baru jenis Bedford No. KA 5603. Sepanjang perkhidmatan ini beberapa kebakaran besar telah berlaku di antaranya pada tahun 1951, sebahagian dari Pekan Kuala Kedah telah musnah dan diikuti pula pada tahun 1969 sekali lagi kebakaran berlaku di mana hampir keseluruhan Pekan Kuala Kedah telah musnah.
Di dalam tahun yang sama juga, kebakaran di “ Pekan Cowboy” Alor Setar telah memusnahkan sebanyak lebih kurang 112 buah rumah kedai. Selepas Penyatuan Jabatan Perkhidmatan Bomba dan pada tahun 1977 Encik Kassim bin Mansor telah tamat perkhidmatannya dan tempat beliau telah digantikan oleh Encik Abd Majid bin Othman.Sehingga ke hari ini Balai Bomba Alor Setar telah mempunyai 3 jentera bomba jenis water tender 400 gelen, sebuah jentera penyelamat dan sebuah jentera Skylift. Keanggotaannya seramai 127 orang diketuai oleh Penguasa Bomba.
Pada tahun 1951, jawatan “Station Officer” diwujudkan dan Encik Kassim bin Mansor yang berpangkat “Superintendent” telah menjawat jawatan tersebut. “Station Officer” bukan sahaja bertanggunjawab kepada Balai Bomba Alor Setar malah dipertanggungjawabkan sebagai Penyelia Perkhidmatan Bomba Negeri Kedah. Pada masa ini keanggotaan telah bertambah mempunyai 3 orang leading fireman iaitu Encik Yaakob, Encik Ghaffar dan Tuan Syed Zain dan terdapat seramai 15 orang fireman.Bagi menampung keperluan keanggotaan ini, maka pada penghujung tahun 1952 penambahan 3 blok quarters (quarters sekarang) telah didirikan dengan pendaftaran PWD 129, PWD 564 dan PWD 565.Pada tahun 1958 sebuah jentera baru jenis Bedford No. K 5281, 500 gelen telah dibekalkan bagi menggantikan jentera Bedford yang sediada yang telah rosak.Di dalam tahun 1961 Balai ini telah mendapatkan penambahan sebuah jentera dari jenis Wheel Escape Ledder (KA 1681) diikuti pula pada tahun 1964 gantian sebuah lagi jentera baru jenis Bedford No. KA 5603. Sepanjang perkhidmatan ini beberapa kebakaran besar telah berlaku di antaranya pada tahun 1951, sebahagian dari Pekan Kuala Kedah telah musnah dan diikuti pula pada tahun 1969 sekali lagi kebakaran berlaku di mana hampir keseluruhan Pekan Kuala Kedah telah musnah.
Di dalam tahun yang sama juga, kebakaran di “ Pekan Cowboy” Alor Setar telah memusnahkan sebanyak lebih kurang 112 buah rumah kedai. Selepas Penyatuan Jabatan Perkhidmatan Bomba dan pada tahun 1977 Encik Kassim bin Mansor telah tamat perkhidmatannya dan tempat beliau telah digantikan oleh Encik Abd Majid bin Othman.Sehingga ke hari ini Balai Bomba Alor Setar telah mempunyai 3 jentera bomba jenis water tender 400 gelen, sebuah jentera penyelamat dan sebuah jentera Skylift. Keanggotaannya seramai 127 orang diketuai oleh Penguasa Bomba.
MUSLIM HISTORY
Muslim history involves the history of the Islamic faith as a religion and as a social institution. The evolution of Islam has impacted the political, economic, and military history of an enormous geography. The concept of the Islamic world is useful in observing the different periods of Islamic history; similarly useful is an understanding of the identification with a quasi-political community of believers, or ummah, on the part of Islam's practitioners down the centuries. Islamic culture encourages identification with the ummah, and this principle has influenced the behavior of a number of players in history. The history of Islam is closely tied to the political, economic, and military.
A century after the death of Muhammad, an Islamic empire extended from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to Central Asia in the east. The subsequent empires of the Umayyads, Abbasids, the Fatimids, the Mughals, the Safavids, and Ottomans were among the largest and most powerful in the world. The Islamic civilization gave rise to many centers of culture and science and produced notable scientists, astronomers, mathematicians, doctors, nurses and philosophers during the Golden Age of Islam. Technology flourished; there was much investment in economic infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and canals; and especially, the importance of reading the Qur'an produced a comparatively high level of literacy in the general populace.
Later, in the eighteenth century and nineteenth century, many Islamic regions fell under the tutelage of European imperial powers. After the First World War, the remnants of the Ottoman empire were parcelled out as European protectorates. Since 1924, there has been no major widely accepted claim to the caliphate (which had been last claimed by the Ottomans).
Although affected by various ideologies such as communism, during much of the twentieth century, the Islamic identity and the dominance of Islam on political issues have arguably increased during the early twenty-first century. The fast-growing Western interests in Islamic regions, international conflicts and globalization have changed the influence of Islam on the world of the twenty-first century.[1]
A century after the death of Muhammad, an Islamic empire extended from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to Central Asia in the east. The subsequent empires of the Umayyads, Abbasids, the Fatimids, the Mughals, the Safavids, and Ottomans were among the largest and most powerful in the world. The Islamic civilization gave rise to many centers of culture and science and produced notable scientists, astronomers, mathematicians, doctors, nurses and philosophers during the Golden Age of Islam. Technology flourished; there was much investment in economic infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and canals; and especially, the importance of reading the Qur'an produced a comparatively high level of literacy in the general populace.
Later, in the eighteenth century and nineteenth century, many Islamic regions fell under the tutelage of European imperial powers. After the First World War, the remnants of the Ottoman empire were parcelled out as European protectorates. Since 1924, there has been no major widely accepted claim to the caliphate (which had been last claimed by the Ottomans).
Although affected by various ideologies such as communism, during much of the twentieth century, the Islamic identity and the dominance of Islam on political issues have arguably increased during the early twenty-first century. The fast-growing Western interests in Islamic regions, international conflicts and globalization have changed the influence of Islam on the world of the twenty-first century.[1]
SELAMAT BERPUASA DAN SELAMAT HARI RAYA.
ASSALAMUALAIKUM DAN SALAM SATU MALAYSIA.
SAYA SEBAGAI RAKYAT THAI MALAYSIA MENGUCAPKAN SELAMAT BERPUASA KEPADA SEMUA UMAT ISLAM,DI SAMPING ITU SAYA JUGA MENGAMBIL KESEMPATAN MENGUCAPKAN SELAMAT BERPUASA DAN SELAMAT HARI RAYA KEPADA SEMUA PEMINAT SETIA BLOG SAYA INI.SAYA JUGA MOHON AMPUN DAN MAAF SEKIRANYA ADA TERLANJURAN KATA DARI SEGI BAHASA SAYA JUGA MOHON AMPUN DAN MAAF.SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI,MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN.BAGI YANG BUKAN BERAGAMA ISLAM MENGHORMATI BULAN PUASA YANG MULIA INI.
SAYA SEBAGAI RAKYAT THAI MALAYSIA MENGUCAPKAN SELAMAT BERPUASA KEPADA SEMUA UMAT ISLAM,DI SAMPING ITU SAYA JUGA MENGAMBIL KESEMPATAN MENGUCAPKAN SELAMAT BERPUASA DAN SELAMAT HARI RAYA KEPADA SEMUA PEMINAT SETIA BLOG SAYA INI.SAYA JUGA MOHON AMPUN DAN MAAF SEKIRANYA ADA TERLANJURAN KATA DARI SEGI BAHASA SAYA JUGA MOHON AMPUN DAN MAAF.SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI,MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN.BAGI YANG BUKAN BERAGAMA ISLAM MENGHORMATI BULAN PUASA YANG MULIA INI.
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