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A Tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra The passing away of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra on 2 January 2008 has brought much grief and sadness to the Thai people, both in the Kingdom and in Thai communities throughout the world. Her Royal Highness was born on 6 May 1923 in London. She was the elder sister of Their Majesties King Ananda Mahidol and King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. Throughout Her life, the Princess worked tirelessly to promote the development of the Kingdom and the well-being of its people. In this regard, She represented His Majesty the King at various functions and, among other things, dutifully carried on the noble work initiated by the late Princess Mother. Princess Galyani Vadhana also served as Honorary President of the Princess Mother's Mobile Doctors Foundation, a non-governmental organization that caters to the health needs of the rural poor. Her Royal Highness, in addition, initiated many other projects under Her Patronage in the fields of education, sports, social welfare, medicine and public health. A keen educator, Her Royal Highness Princess championed the importance of basic education, at pre-school and primary levels. During Her trips with the late Princess Mother to remote areas of the Kingdom, Her Royal Highness experimented with educational tools and toys developed by the Association of University Women Foundation, so that effective educational media for elementary students nationwide could be developed. Her Royal Highness Princess was also a staunch supporter of Thai youth’s participation in academic Olympiads, granting the use of Her personal funds to support such activities. Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana travelled widely. In the process, She contributed much towards Thailand’s high standing in the international community as well as to bilateral relations between the Kingdom and other countries. As Her Royal Highness Princess was also keen on literature, the arts, culture and history, many of Her overseas trips were documented and widely published, serving as important references for the Thai people to understand the cultures and traditions of foreign lands. Her Royal Highness was awarded the Victor Hugo Medal for Her role in arts and culture by the United Nations, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). More recently, on 25 December 2007, the Princess was presented with the highest decoration of the French Government, namely, La Legion D’Honneur Grand Officier, by the President of French Republic in recognition of Her Royal Highness’s expertise in the French language. The Princess founded the Association of Teachers of French in Thailand, aimed at improving teaching methods and promoting research into language, art, and culture at all levels and in all disciplines. Her Royal Highness also served as President of the Association from 1977 to 1981, and later as its Honorary President. Freeplus Mind Co.,Ltd. joins millions of Thais throughout the Kingdom and in all corners of the world in mourning. Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra will always be remembered in our hearts. Freeplus Mind Co.,Ltd., 2 January 2008 Web link: Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra |
