Chakri Dynasty (House of Mahidol)
House of Mahidol (2 March 1935 to Present)​
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Prince Mahidol Adulyadej was the son of King Chulalongkorn and Queen Savang Vadhana. He was married to Princess Srinagarindra, and together they were the parents of Princess Galyani Vadhana, Prince Ananda Mahidol (later King Rama VIII), and Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej (later King Rama IX). They are also the paternal grandparents of current monarch King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).
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He is regarded as 'Thailand's Father of Modern Medicine' due to his contribution to medical education and public health.
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In 1905, he was sent to London, where he spent a year and a half at Harrow School. Following this, at his father’s request, he moved to Germany to join the Royal Prussian Military Preparatory College and the Imperial Military Academy. At the suggestion of his half-brother, King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), he subsequently enrolled at the Imperial German Naval Academy, where he distinguished himself by winning a competition in submarine design. In 1912, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in both the Imperial German Navy and the Royal Thai Navy.
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As Siam was initially neutral at the outbreak of World War I in what was then a European conflict, Prince Mahidol returned to Thailand where he took a teaching position at the Royal Naval Academy. He maintained a keen interest in smaller vessels, such as submarines and torpedo boats, which he believed was more relevant for the coastal water around the country. This eventually led to tensions with senior naval officers, most of whom were British graduates and favored larger ships. Feeling that his expertise was not valued, he resigned from his position nine months after joining the Navy.
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His half-brother Prince Rangsit was at that time the Chief of the Royal Medical College. Medical and public health education at that time lagged behind European standards. The Medical College and its hospital - Siriraj, were small, underfunded, understaffed, ill-equipped, and crowded with people waiting for treatment. After visiting Prince Rangsit's office and seeing the lack of medical facilities, Prince Mahidol decided that he could best serve the nation by contributing to the field of public health in Siam. He thus went to study public health at Harvard University in the United States.
He then asked Prince Rangsit to select four students to be sent to the U.S.: two medical students who would be funded by Prince Mahidol himself, and two nursing students who would be funded by his mother, Queen Savang Vadhana. One of the nursing students who arrived was the 18-year-old Miss Sangwal Talabhat, who would later become his future wife as assume the title Princess Srinagarindra.
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Prince Mahidol received his Certificate in Public Health in 1921. He returned to Siam two years later and became the Director-General of the University Department in the Ministry of Education. Apart from his administrative duties, he also taught pre-clinical medical students at the Royal Medical College.
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In 1925, the Prince traveled to Germany for kidney treatment before returning to Harvard University to study medicine. While in Germany, his first son, Prince Ananda Mahidol, was born. His second son, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej, was born in the United States in 1927.
Prince Mahidol graduated with an M.D. cum laude. He returned to Thailand in December 1928. Upon his return, he established scholarships for students in medicine, nursing, and public health. Intending to complete his internship, hospital in a more egalitarian environment – the missionary-run McCormick Hospital in Chiang Mai.
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Sadly, the Prince succumbed to illness on 24 September 1929 at the age of 37, and leaving behind two future kings who were 4 and 2 years old. In 1933, Princess Srinagarindra under the advise of senior royals, moved to Switzerland for the education of the two young princes.
H.M. Ananda Mahidol (King Rama VIII)
Reign: 2 March 1935 – 9 June 1946 ​
​​King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) abdicated in 1935 was due disagreement with the new government as well as health problems. The king not having an heir of his own, decided to abstain from exercising his prerogative to name a successor to the throne. As ​​King Rama VII was the last remaining son of Queen Saovabha, the crown then passed to the sons of the queen who ranked next after hers – Queen Savang Vadhana.
Besides the late Crown Prince Vajirunhis, Queen Savang Vadhanahad two more sons. They were Prince Sommatiwongse Varodaya who died without an heir in 1899, and Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, who although deceased, had two living sons – the elder Princes Ananda Mahidol, and younger Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej.
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​With the kingdom now being governed under a constitution, the National Assembly and the ruling government elected Prince Ananda Mahidol as King Rama VIII on 2 March 1935. The young king was only 9-years old when he ascended the throne. while still in Switzerland. In 1938, at age thirteen, King Rama VIII visited the country for the first time as its monarch. The king was accompanied during his visit by his mother and his younger brother, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej. They then returned to Switzerland to further continue with their education.
​Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram was the prime minister at that time. The name Siam was also officially changed to Thailand during his leadership on June 24, 1939. The change was part of a broader effort to promote nationalism and unify the country under a single identity, reflecting the idea that "Thai" means "free" in the Thai language. The shift was also aimed at distancing the nation from colonial influences and aligning it more closely with other Southeast Asian nations. The name Thailand translates to "Land of the Free," symbolizing the country’s sovereignty and independence.
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On December 8, 1941, Japan invaded Thailand, leading to a brief ceasefire after just five hours of fighting. Thailand subsequently allied with Japan, joining the Axis powers during World War II. King Rama VIII was studying in Switzerland, leaving Pridi Phanomyong as regent. On January 24, 1942, Thailand formally became Japan's ally, but the regent refused to sign a declaration of war against the Allies, rendering it invalid. ​
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Many Thai officials, including those in the embassy in Japan, secretly supported the Allies by sharing intelligence. Bangkok suffered from Allied bombings and economic troubles, causing public discontent with the government led by Plaek Phibunsongkhram. In July 1944, he was removed from power by a government influenced by the Seri Thai movement, and Khuang Aphaiwong was appointed prime minister.
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After World War II, Ananda Mahidol, also known as King Rama VIII, returned to Thailand in December 1945, having earned a degree in law. Despite his youth and limited experience, he quickly endeared himself to the Thai people, who had maintained their reverence for the monarchy throughout the political upheavals of the 1930s and 1940s.
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His return was met with widespread joy, particularly highlighted by a successful visit to Chinatown's Sampheng Lane, aimed at easing post-war tensions between the ethnic Chinese and Thai communities. This gesture helped foster unity and reinforce the monarchy's role as a stabilizing force in the nation during a tumultuous period.
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Tragically, King Rama VIII died unexpectedly. He was thereafter succeeded by his younger brother Crown Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej as King Rama IX.
H.M. Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX)
Reign: 9 June 1946 – 13 October 2016 ​
Soon after ascending the throne at age 18, King Bhumibol returned to Switzerland to continue his studies. Despite his interest in science and technology, he changed his major to law and political science in preparation for his duties as head of state. His uncle Prince Rangsit Prayurasakd, was appointed Prince Regent to offer guidance and represent the new king on official matters, while he was away.
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During a trip to Paris while doing his degree in Switzerland, King Bhumibol met Sirikit Kitiyakara (later Queen Sirikit), the daughter of the Thai ambassador to France. She was also the great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn, and was training to be a concert pianist. She later moved to Switzerland, where the couple got engaged in 1949. They were married on 28 April 1950, just a week before the official coronation ceremony on 5 May 1950. Their majesties were eventually blessed with four children – Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (later King Rama X), Princess Ubolratana, Princess Sirindhorn, and Princess Chulabhorn. ​​
While the political landscape in Thailand has been complex, King Bhumibol’s influence was pivotal in maintaining a sense of stability. He acted as a unifying figure, embodying national identity and fostering a sense of belonging among Thais. His presence during times of political unrest often provided a calming influence, encouraging dialogue and reconciliation.​
King Bhumibol played a crucial role in Thailand’s economic transformation. One of his notable contributions was the Royal Development Projects, which addressed agricultural productivity, land and forest management, water resources, and rural livelihoods. He supported the construction of roads, irrigation systems, and educational institutions, which were vital for connecting rural communities to access to knowledge, technology, and markets.​​​
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His advocacy for the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy encouraged people to live sustainably and responsibly, promoting moderation and resilience in both personal and economic affairs. This approach provided a framework for addressing Thailand’s development challenges, emphasizing self-reliance and a balanced lifestyle. His hands-on approach included visiting villages and engaging directly with the people, ensuring that their needs were met and voices heard.​
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Post World War II, Thailand was faced with epidemics such as polio and cholera. Understanding that the health of the populace was crucial for national development, King Bhumibol used personal funds to establish key medical facilities. Projects included the Mahidol Wongsanusorn Building for tuberculosis research, the Vejphahan boat to treat patients along the river, the Rajaprachasamasai Foundation to promote medical and public health education,, were among key initiatives.
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His Majesty graciously provided scholarships to Thai youth across all education levels, from primary school to doctoral degrees, alongside research grants in various fields. These included the Royal Scholarship and Ananda Mahidol Scholarship for outstanding and ethical students, the Navarerk Scholarship for underprivileged students, and welfare scholarships from the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation. Funded by His Majesty's personal resources and those of the Royal Family and supporters, these initiatives aimed to relieve the government's burden and foster the nation's future. Recognizing the importance of education, he established the Distance Learning Foundation via Satellite to ensure equal educational opportunities for youth in remote areas, and initiated the Thai Encyclopedia for Youth Project in 1963 to compile knowledge in various fields for young readers.
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The importance of religion was also stressed as a central pillar of Thai identity. King Bhumibol supported numerous initiatives aimed at promoting Buddhist values and practices, and encouraged people to embody principles of compassion, morality, and social responsibility. His royal visits to temples and engagement with monastic communities highlighted his deep respect for Buddhism and its role in fostering national unity. His Majesty granted personal funds to Mahidol University to successfully develop the world's first computerized version of the Tripitaka and its commentaries. His Majesty invoked auspicious blessings by including the Royal Brahmins to lead important royal ceremonies in accordance to ancient royal traditions that date back to the Angkor period.
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His Majesty considered that Thai customs and traditions were a valuable cultural heritage, and revived some discontinued royal ceremonies. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony helped build the morale and encouragement of farmers; the Royal Barge Procession ensured these well crafted river boats were well maintained and appreciated; the Royal Ceremony to Celebrate the Induction of Important Elephants, helped encourage the conservation of elephants.
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Together with Queen Sirikit, their majesties played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of Thai culture and religion, contributing significantly to the preservation and enhancement of the nation’s rich artistic heritage. Queen Sirikit, in particular, was a champion of Thai textiles and handicrafts. She founded the Support Foundation to promote traditional weaving and craftsmanship, empowering local artisans and ensuring the survival of these cultural practices. Her efforts not only revitalized interest in Thai handicrafts but also provided economic opportunities for many communities. The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles that is located within the grounds of the Royal Grand Palace, offers the opportunity to view some of these beautiful fabric masterpieces.
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Together, they celebrated and promoted cultural events, festivals, and ceremonies that reflect Thailand’s diverse traditions. Their dedication to preserving and enhancing Thai culture has left a lasting impact, instilling pride in the nation’s heritage and ensuring its continuation for future generations. Through their combined efforts, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit helped cultivate a rich cultural landscape that remains integral to Thailand's identity today.
H.M. Maha Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X)
Reign: 13 October 2016 onwards​
King Maha Vajiralongkorn was born on 28 July 1952. The only son of King Bhumibol, he became Crown Prince in 1972 at the age of 20. He ascended the throne upon the death of his father. The official coronation ceremony was held over 4 - 6 May 2019.
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After attending secondary schooling in the United Kingdom, the prince enrolled at the Royal Military College Duntroon in Australia. His education was divided into two parts, military training by the Australian Army, and a Bachelor of Arts degree under the auspices of the University of New South Wales.
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Upon returning to Thailand, he joined the military and furthered his education at the Army Command and General Staff College. He also undertook a Bachelor of Laws degree, and later studied at the National Defence College of the United Kingdom, enhancing his qualifications and readiness for leadership roles. Among other achievements, he is also a trained military pilot qualified to fly fighter jet aircrafts.
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His Majesty is married to Queen Suthida, who is renown for her commitment in the development of children and youth, through scholarship projects and support for learning in various communities.
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