Unesco recognises late Queen Savang's achievements
Her Majesty Queen Savang Vadhana, the late grandmother of His Majesty, has been named one of the world's great personalities by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in Paris yesterday.
“The resolution was made on Wednesday,” Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome said yesterday.
The late queen is the 21st Thai to have received such an honour.
Her Majesty was born to King Rama IV on September 10, 1862, and received an education befitting a royal princess in the palace. She also studied dharma, which instilled her with compassion – a vital force behind her public works.
She became the royal consort of King Rama V and their grandsons were King Rama VIII and King Rama IX, who is now the world’s longestreigning monarch.
Queen Savang Vadhana, who was known for her keen interest in health science, launched a small medical facility for fishermen and farmers in Chon Buri. Now that facility has grown into the Somdej Phra Barommaratchathewi Hospital. The queen also helped patients via the Red Unalom Society of Siam, or the Thai Red Cross Society, which she founded.
The queen and her daughter, late Princess Valaya Alongkorn, also established a girls’ school in Saraburi and the Rajnibon School in Bangkok.
Queen Savang Vadhana passed away at the age of 93 in 1955, after spending a life that spanned six reigns.
“The Culture Ministry and the Queen Savang Vadhana Foundation will ask the government to establish committees to organise events to celebrate the late queen’s achievements. She made great contributions to Thai society and is an outstanding role model,” Sukumol said.
