Pattaya Info CD

Monarchy

The Royal Family

You can see that the monarchy is still a strong unifying force for the nation in the 1990's. Although the King's power is regulated by the constitution, he is the Head of State and greatly loved and respected by his people. Everywhere you go in Thailand in shops, homes, petrol stations and restaurants, you will see pictures of the King and other members of the Royal Family.

HRH the late Princess Mother. Born a commoner in October 1900, Somdet Ya was the much loved Mother of the present King Bhumibol Adulyadej. She died in July 1995. The Princess Mother married Prince Mahidol in 1920, and bore him two sons and a daughter (the King is her second son). She endured first the loss of her husband in 1929, then her eldest son in 1946. The late Princess Mother is still greatly loved by all Thais for her great concern for their welfare, especially the underprivileged, best demonstrated in the countless projects instigated in her name. She was cremated in a traditional, highly elaborate Royal Cremation Ceremony, on March I I th, 1996.

Rama IX, King Bhumipol Adulyadej was born on December 5, 1927, in Massachusetts, USA, where his father was studying medicine at Harvard University. He came to the throne in 1946, married Queen Sirikit (born August 12, 1932, see Holidays) in April 1950, and they were crowned on May 5, the same year, see Holidays.

Their children are:

Princess Ubol Ratana was born April 5, 1951and is the first child of the King and Queen of Thailand. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn born July 28, 1952, married Soanisawali Kitiyakra in 1977. They have one daughter and have now divorced. He and his present consort Mom Sujarinee Mahidol na Ayutthaya have four sons and one daughter. Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn born April 2, 1955 is not married, and Princess Chulabhorn born July 4, 1957, married Virayudh Didyasarin in 1982.

Rama IX is very much a working monarch and his dedication to the Thai people is most impressive. King Bhumipol is a remarkable man with many talents. He is a gifted photographer, painter, jazz saxophonist, composer, and has won a gold medal at an international yachting competition. Queen Sirikit and the Royal Children are also very active in public service and constantly in the news. You will hear and read about their involvement in conservation and the protection of the environment, aid from the royal purse to disaster victims, and many projects which they have set up all over the kingdom. Among the Royal Projects in the area, there is a snake serum farm, set up by the King at Bang Phra, 35 km north of Pattaya. If you go before 10:30 hrs, you will see about 200 horses grazing free, which are used to produce antidote for snakebite.

There are also several Queen's Projects, one at Phu Luang about 2 kms before Green Valley Golf Course Oust off Highway 36 to Rayong where you can buy handicrafts, honey and fruit. These are produced in the north of Thailand at crop substitution centers, set up to provide alternatives to opium poppy farming. The Crown Princess recently opened a Career Apprenticeship Centre about 12 km north of Pattaya on Highway 3. There are frequent Royal visits to inaugurate factories on the new industrial estates near Pattaya. Wat Nyan, a 'major wat' under royal patronage, is regarded as the Wat of the Reign. You will find it in the hills about 15 km south of Pattaya, off Highway No.3 signposted to Wat Yansangwararam. It is a lovely peaceful place, and the many temple buildings include a series of 6 Salas (pavilions) in various styles, built by different nations in honor of the King's 60th birthday. A fascinating Chinese Museum is a recent addition and further buildings are under construction. The respect shown to the King and Royal Family is well earned as well as being traditional. It is also illegal to insult royalty, (an arrest able offence as there is a law of 'Iese majeste ). Never offend Thai people by showing lack of respect for their monarch, or criticize the Royal Family. Do not throw down money either, as it has the King's picture on it.