Misplaced Pages

#622377

70-708: The relationship between Switzerland and the Thai royal house go back to the time before the Second World War, when the princess and her family lived in Lausanne. It is named in honour of the Princess Srinagarindra , the mother of King Rama IX , who gave her personal permission for the temple to be named after her. It was dedicated in 2003 by Princess Galyani Vadhana , the daughter of the Princess Mother and sister of

140-576: A constitutional monarchy . Some members of the royal family resigned their government posts, and others left the country to live overseas until the political scene had calmed. Queen Sri Savarindira, the Queen Aunt , later titled the "Queen Grandmother", consulted with her daughter, Princess Valaya Alongkorn, the Princess of Petchaburi and her adopted son, Prince Rangsit Prayursakdi, the Prince of Chainat , about

210-519: A Buddhist place of worship is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Srinagarindra Princess Srinagarindra ( Thai : ศรีนครินทรา ; RTGS :  Si Nakharinthra ; 21 October 1900 – 18 July 1995) born Sangwan Talapat ( Thai : สังวาลย์ ตะละภัฏ ; RTGS :  Sangwan Talaphat ) was a member of the Royal Thai Family. She was part of the House of Mahidol, which

280-760: A compound of royal residences in Bangkok , Thailand . Constructed over a large area north of Rattanakosin Island between 1897 and 1901 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The palace, originally called Wang Suan Dusit or 'Dusit Garden Palace' (วังสวนดุสิต), eventually became the primary (but not official) place of residence of the King of Thailand , including King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). The palace covers an area of over 64,749 square metres (696,950 sq ft) and

350-552: A month due to the lack of funds. Nonetheless, she maintained her reading habits by regularly visiting her aunt’s friend who ran a library of books for rent. She had read a number of Thai classics, such as Inao , Phra Aphai Mani , and Sangsilchai . At the suggestion of a relative, Sangwan was sent to live with Chan Saeng-xuto, another relative and a nanny to Princess Valaya Alongkorn, the Princess of Petchaburi , daughter of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and Queen Savang Vadhana (later Queen Sri Savarindira, The Queen Grandmother). At

420-530: A new plot of land for the building of a new legislature, as the Ananta Samkhom Throne Hall had become too small and was unable to accommodate the growing assembly and its secretariat. The king granted a plot of land on Dusit Palace grounds immediately north of the Throne Hall for the building of a new Parliament House of Thailand . With the completion of this new building the Ananta Samkhom Throne Hall

490-555: A number of foundations, most notably the Border Patrol Police Support Foundation and the New Life Foundation for those recovering from leprosy or mental illness. Apart from her own funds, the money for these various projects came from the sale of handicrafts made through projects initiated by the princess mother, such as pressed-flower greeting cards and brooms and brushes made from sisal hemp. In 1985,

560-405: A preparatory course for nursing at Simmons College , where she studied chemistry and nutrition. Upon passing the test at the end of the semester, she went on to study school health at MIT, entering in the summer semester. In Boston, they were simply known as "Mr and Mrs Mahidol Songkla", living in a two-bedroom flat at 63 Longwood Avenue. Apart from their studies, they were both closely involved in

630-474: A scholarship student herself, she was known to provided scholarships to students as far back as 1920, not long after her marriage to Prince Mahidol Adulyadej . The Bangkok Times of 21 September 1920, listed the names of donors to the Kullasatri Wang Lang School, which included the newly-weds, who had donated 5,000 baht. The publication noted that Mom Sangwan Mahidol na Ayudhya, having married into

700-475: A school called Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande. Although in his own country he was king, at school in Switzerland he was simply, Ananda Mahidol, son of Madame S. Mahidol, a student receiving no more privileges than any other student here. Three years after ascending the throne, the young King Ananda Mahidol returned to visit his country and his people for the first time. Upon their return, Princess Sri Sangwan

770-426: A small entourage among whom was a young relative named Boonruen Sopoj, who later became Dame (Thanpuying) Boonruen Choonhavan , the widow of Prime Minister General Chatichai Choonhavan . While Mom Sangwan and her children were living in Switzerland, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) abdicated on 2 March 1935, relinquishing his right to appoint an heir to the throne. According to the palace Law regarding succession to

SECTION 10

#1732854760623

840-554: A surname, the use of which was not a regular practice in Thailand until 1913 during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) . As her father was dead, she took the surname of Lee Talaphat, who was in the service of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej. Her surviving younger brother registered himself as Thomya Chukramol. Sangwan Talaphat left Bangkok on 13 August 1917 on the ship Kuala with almost 20 other Thai students. The trip took them to Singapore , Hong Kong, Japan, Hawaii, and after six weeks,

910-594: A week, each member taking turns hosting tea at home between 16:00-18:00. It soon became a procedure for the princess mother to use her own money to purchase items for poor villages during her increasingly frequent upcountry visits. These gifts included tee-shirts, towels, multipurpose "pha khao ma" cloth, and stationery for schoolteachers; school uniforms and stationery for schoolchildren; and pha khao ma, sarongs, needles and thread, medicine, tinned food, and dried foodstuffs for villagers. Children received toys suitable for their ages. She also set up with her own personal funds

980-467: Is descended from the Chakri dynasty and was founded by Prince Mahidol Adulyadej . She was the mother of Princess Galyani Vadhana , King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and was the paternal grandmother of King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). Her formal name and title was Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani ( Thai : สมเด็จพระศรีนครินทราบรมราชชนนี ). In Thailand, she

1050-595: Is dotted between gardens and lawns with 13 different royal residences. Dusit Palace is bordered by Ratchwithi Road in the north, Sri Ayutthaya Road in the south, Ratchasima Road in the west and U-Thong Nai Road on the east. Since 1782 and the foundation of Bangkok as the capital city of the Kingdom of Siam , the monarchs of the Chakri dynasty have resided at the Grand Palace by the Chao Phraya River . The palace became

1120-533: The Bhubing Palace in Chiang Mai Province was completed, the king invited the princess mother for a visit. As was her habit in Switzerland, the princess mother went for long treks through the woods behind the palace, enjoying the flora and fauna, and stopping in villages en route. It was then that she discovered the poverty of the villages in remote areas. There was a lack of schools and health services. Even

1190-557: The Chitralada Royal Villa (พระตำหนักจิตรลดารโหฐาน). Later in 1925, during the reign of King Prajadhipok , this garden was incorporated by royal command as part of Dusit Palace. At its greatest extent the palace occupied over 768,902 square metres (8,276,390 sq ft) of land. In 1932 the absolute monarchy was abolished and part of the Dusit Palace was reduced and transferred to the constitutional government. This included

1260-553: The Chitralada Royal Villa his main residence and had it renovated. In the meantime the king and his growing family stayed at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall , part of Dusit Palace. After renovations were completed, the king made the royal villa his permanent residence. The area of the royal villa and garden is commonly referred to as "Chitralada Palace". In 1970, the National Assembly of Thailand requested

1330-591: The Khao Din Wana (เขาดินวนา) to the east of the palace, which was given in 1938 to the Bangkok City Municipality by King Ananda Mahidol to create a public park, which later became Dusit Zoo . The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall was also appropriated as the permanent meeting place of the National Assembly of Thailand . When King Bhumibol Adulyadej returned from his studies to Thailand in 1952 he made

1400-527: The Sanam Luang to the Grand Palace. On Chulalongkorn's return from his second European tour in 1908, he expanded the palace northward, creating an additional private garden called Suan Sunandha (สวนสุนันทา), in honour of his first consort Queen Sunandha Kumariratana , who died in 1880. The garden became the setting for residential houses belonging to the king's consorts and children. Chulalongkorn lived at

1470-573: The Grand Palace. He consequently took frequent trips to the countryside to seek relief. Chulalongkorn got the idea of having a royal residence with spacious gardens on the outskirts of the capital from European monarchs during his trip to Europe in 1897. When he returned to Bangkok he began to build a new royal compound within walking distance of the Grand Palace. He began by acquiring farmlands and orchards between Padung Krung Kasem and Samsen canals from Privy Purse funds. The king named this area Suan Dusit meaning 'celestial garden'. The first building in

SECTION 20

#1732854760623

1540-608: The Mahidol family. They received ration coupons like other Swiss families. They had to use ash for washing instead of soap, and the young king travelled to school by bicycle. The princess mother made her own jam from fruit such as strawberries, apples, and pears that she picked from her own garden. She kept up her late husband's tradition of inviting Thai students for meals on Saturdays. The increasing number of Thai students in Switzerland, who had moved there from war-torn Belgium, France, and Italy, meant that they had to take turns as guests of

1610-513: The Prince of Chumphorn ) and Chao Phraya Yomaraj (Pan Sukhum) as regents until the king came of age. On this occasion, Mom Sangwan was conferred the title of "Princess Mother Sri Sangwan", a title that still denoted her commoner status. For various reasons including security in line with their new status, the family moved to a new house, names Villa Vadhana in Pully, near Lausanne . The king and his younger brother, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej went to

1680-651: The Thai people learned that the king had become engaged to Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara , the eldest daughter of "His Serene Highness Prince" (Mom Chao) Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara (later to become His Highness the Prince of Chuntaburi II Suranath), the Thai ambassador of the Court of St. James's , England, and Mom Luang Bua Sanidvongse. When the King Bhumibol Adulyadej returned to Thailand from his studies in Switzerland in 1951 with his wife, Queen Sirikit, and their first daughter, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya ,

1750-471: The Williston sisters, Emily and Constance, who tutored her in algebra, Latin , French, and English. The prince also assigned an American woman to take Sangwan on guided tours of museums and art galleries, and explain to her the significance of the various exhibits. The royal wedding of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and Sangwan Talapat (later Srinagarindra) was held at Sa Pathum Palace on 10 September 1920. The ceremony

1820-550: The activities of the Siam Association of USA under Royal Patronage, which had been established by the prince. They would often host meals for other Thai students; she did the cooking, while he washed the dishes. Prince Mahidol Adulyadej was beset with kidney problems during his last year at medical school. Despite chronic health problems, he managed to graduate with honors. Immediately after his finals, he suffered from acute appendicitis requiring immediate surgery. As soon as he

1890-413: The age of seven, Sangwan found herself at the royal court. Her only duty at that time was to present herself at a twice-daily audience with the princess—when she woke up, and again in the evening. Every now and then, she would join the princess's entourage when she went for an audience with her mother, Queen Savang Vadhana, at Suan Hongsa Royal Villa on the grounds of Dusit Palace . Shortly afterwards, she

1960-465: The area was a single story wooden structure, used by the king, his consorts, and his children for occasional stays. In 1890s, plans for a permanent set of residences were drawn up and construction began under the supervision of Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs (the king's brother) and C. Sandreczki (a German architect, responsible for the Boromphiman Palace ). Apart from the prince all other members of

2030-688: The area was merged into part of the Dusit Palace. Currently several museums and exhibitions are displayed inside the various buildings within the Dusit Palace precinct, only a few of these are open to the public. Like all Thai royal palaces of the past, Dusit Palace is divided into three areas: the outer, middle, and inner courts. However unlike the Grand Palace, the Dusit Palace courts were organized differently and were separated by canals and gardens as opposed to walls. The king allocated different residential halls and gardens to his consorts and children. The gardens are connected by gates with names drawn from motifs on blue and white Chinese porcelain ware , which

2100-558: The border patrol police, who acted as guides and also provided security for her on the trips, were very poorly paid, and received no per diem supplement for services rendered over and above normal duties. Her observations of the precarious economic situation of the rural areas, prompted the princess mother to make regular visits to the remotest areas of the kingdom, starting in 1964. In 1932, when her children had started school and she had more time on her hands, she set up an American-style " sewing circle ", inviting close acquaintances to join

2170-529: The cabinet approved the proposal of the National Committee for the Promotion and Development of Social Welfare Activities that 21 October, the princess mother's birthday, be declared National Social Welfare Day. As she was also a nurse, it has since been renamed National Nurses' Day (Thai: วันพยาบาลแห่งชาติ Wan Phayaban Haeng Chat). For the princess mother, education was of paramount was an importance. Being

Wat Srinagarindravararam - Misplaced Pages Continue

2240-400: The care of their aunt. Her aunt and guardian, Suay, earned a living by making sweets and rolling cigarettes. Sangwan's mother had taught her to read before passing. With this skill, Sangwan enrolled at an all-girls school of Wat Anongkharam , a nearby temple whose abbot recognized the needs for the girls to have a proper education. She then studied at Suksanari , leaving the school after only

2310-399: The country. What mother taught us came from Father. He was 8 years older than Mother, and taught her a lot. Mother was very receptive, she learned so much from Father. What she taught us I later found to be almost quoted verbatim from Father...It was like Father teaching us through Mother..." Dusit Palace Dusit Palace ( Thai : พระราชวังดุสิต , RTGS : Phra Ratcha Wang Dusit ) is

2380-535: The decision. The agreed on return trip to Switzerland was scheduled for 13 June 1946. But the trip didn't happen. On the morning of 9 June 1946, only four days before he was due to travel to Switzerland, King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) was found shot dead in the Boromphiman Throne Hall, Grand Palace , Bangkok . Though the Siamese police director general originally told an emergency session of the legislature that

2450-430: The entire month. Sangwan enrolled as a student of Siriraj School for Midwifery and Nursing in 1913, when she was thirteen.She was two years younger than the minimum age limit, but the school still accepted her based on her credentials. She was a scholarship recipient who agreed to work for the hospital for three years in exchange for the 15 baht per month that would cover her living costs.Upon graduation in 1916, she joined

2520-739: The expansion of Bangkok outside its city walls and the traditional confines of the Rattanakosin area. The palace expanded Bangkok northwards, while the avenue accommodated further growth. The avenue extended from the palace, starting in front of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and the Royal Plaza southwards along the Makawan Rangsant and Phanfah Lielas Bridges then westward across the Phanbipob Liela Bridge, then south again long

2590-441: The family returned to Thailand , this time traveling by plane. Six days later, they arrived. As they stepped off the plane, the Thai public witnessed, not two young schoolboys dressed in shorts, but two mature and dignified young men. The Thai government requested that the king postpone his return to Switzerland in order to present the new constitution to the nation on 9 May 1946, and to open parliament on 1 June. He acquiesced to

2660-517: The focal point of the city as well as a seat of the royal government and the home of the king and his court (his children and his polygamous household). During the reign of King Chulalongkorn , the Grand Palace was transformed, with reconstruction and additions made to the main Middle Court (state buildings) and the Inner Court (residential buildings) of the palace. The changes sought to modernize

2730-561: The girls to stay with the Armstrong family in Hartford, Connecticut , and to attend North Western Grammar School to perfect their English reading, writing, and speaking skills. During this time, Prince Mahidol maintained close interest in Sangwan's development, making frequent visits to Hartford. Their strolls in the park to observe the flowers reflected Sangwan's lifelong love of plants and concern for

2800-539: The group reached San Francisco. From there, she went to live with an American family, the Adamsens of Berkeley, California , for a year, attending Emerson School with her friend Ubol Palakawongse na Ayudhya , a member of the nobility. She also attended Sunday school to learn the ways of the Christian faith. In 1918, they joined eight other Thai students travelling to Boston, Massachusetts. On 21 September 1918, Prince Mahidol

2870-586: The group. Among the members of the circle were Mom Chao Sipphanphansanur Sohnakul, Thanpuying Prayong Sanidvongs na Ayudhya, Khunying Chalaem Puranasiri, Khunying Srivisarnvaja, Khunying Prem, Damrongbaedyakhun, Thanpuying Poa Anurakshraja mondira, and expatriate wives such as Mrs. Zimmerman, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Langesen, Mrs. Nederguard, Mrs. Pendleton and Mrs. Reeve, whose husbands were missionaries or lecturers at Chulalongkorn University . The sewing circle members started by making their own clothes, then making clothes for poor children at various hospitals. They met once

Wat Srinagarindravararam - Misplaced Pages Continue

2940-831: The important temples and historic sites in Bangkok and the environs, and of the national arts and culture. She also kindled his desire to help others, to contribute to charitable projects including public health and medicine. The king donated a sum from his privy purse to build the Ananda Mahidol Hospital in Lopburi Province , while his siblings donated toward a health centre in Samut Sakhon Province . In January 1939, King Ananda Mahidol and his family bade farewell once again to their homeland and returned to Switzerland. The outbreak of World War II in 1939 had repercussions on

3010-486: The king after a long and confusing trial. Today, it is acknowledged that these charges seemed to be baseless, but the truth of the matter has remained a mystery. On the same day as King Ananda Mahidol's death, by parliament’s unanimous decision, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej , was invited to accede to the throne as King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) of Thailand, the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty On 19 August 1946,

3080-454: The king's death was accidental, experts have since testified that regicide is the most likely cause of death due to the king being found flat on his back with his Colt pistol found a small distance from his body, but nearer his non-dominant hand. In February 1955, three of the late-king's attendants: his secretary Senator Chaleo Patoomros and two pages, Nai Chit and Butr Paramasrin, were executed by Phibun's regime on charges of conspiracy to kill

3150-399: The king. The royal family provided financial support for the construction of the temple. [REDACTED] Media related to Wat Srinagarindravararam at Wikimedia Commons This Thailand -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article about a Swiss building or structure is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article about

3220-573: The medical profession in Thailand. The medical scholarships were provided by Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, then a first-year student at Harvard Medical School , while the nursing scholarships were provided by his mother, Queen Savang Vadhana. One of the two nurses selected was Sangwan. Her preparations for this trip included a six-month intensive English course with Miss Edna Sarah Cole, headmistress of Kullasatri Wang Lang School for girls (later to become Wattana Wittaya Academy ). For her passport, Sangwan needed

3290-538: The natural environment. Approval was granted to the union between Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla Nagarindra and son of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) , and Sangwan Talabhat, and in 1919, he presented her with a diamond ring on a heart-shaped setting in a private ceremony. Thirty years later, this same ring would be presented by his son, King Bhumibol Adulyadej , to his bride-to-be, Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara . After their engagement, Prince Mahidol bade his fiancée move to Cambridge where she lived with

3360-411: The new and fashionable pastime of cycling . Even before he took permanent residence at Dusit Palace, he would take his entourage cycling from the Grand Palace to the garden and back. With bicycling trips often taking all day. The pathway connecting the Grand Palace to Dusit Palace eventually became Ratchadamnoen Avenue . The construction of both Dusit Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue allowed and encouraged

3430-629: The nursing team at the hospital. The following year, Prince Rangsit Prayursakdi, the Prince of Chainat (son of King Chulalongkorn and adopted son of Queen Savang Vadhana , half-brother of Princess Valaya Alongkorn and Prince Mahidol Adulyadej ), director of the Royal Medical College of Siriraj Hospital, selected two doctors and two nurses to further their studies in the United States. These scholarship students were expected to return to teach future generations of medical students and advance

3500-586: The occasion demanded. On the king's state visit to 14 European countries and the United States in 1960, she remained in Thailand for six months, acting as Regent of Thailand during the king's absence, just as she did during subsequent state visits overseas until 1967. As regent, the princess mother carried out various official duties on behalf of the king, including accepting diplomatic credentials from newly posted ambassadors, conferring degrees on university graduates, presiding at religious ceremonies and putting her signature to several important legislative acts. She

3570-535: The palace as well as accommodate its growing population. As a result, the palace, particularly the Inner Court, became extremely overcrowded. The Grand Palace also became stiflingly hot during the summer months, with the passage of air blocked by the closely clustered new buildings. Epidemics, once started, were liable to spread easily within the crowded compound. The king, who enjoyed taking long walks for exercise and pleasure, often felt unwell after prolonged stays inside

SECTION 50

#1732854760623

3640-427: The palace until his death at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall on 23 October 1910 of kidney disease. Chulalongkorn's successor, King Vajiravudh , contributed to the expansion of the palace by the construction in 1913 of another garden called Suan Chitralada (สวนจิตรลดา), between Dusit Palace and Phaya Thai Palace . In this garden he had a residential villa built and named it Phra Thamnak Chitralada Rahothan or

3710-465: The princess mother accompanied the new king back to Switzerland, where he resumed his studies at the University of Lausanne . He switched his choice of subjects from science to political science, law and economics, in order to better suit his new priorities. On 4 October 1948, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was badly hurt in a motoring accident, requiring hospitalization. Not long afterwards, on 12 August 1949,

3780-521: The princess mother remained in Lausanne . She returned only periodically between 1952 and 1963 in order to attend significant functions or events, such as the birth of her grandchildren, the illness and subsequent death of Queen Sri Savarindira, the Queen Grandmother , or the ordination of her son. For these visits, she would stay only one or two months at a time, and only stayed for extended periods when

3850-409: The princess mother. Her support to the students extended to lending, or even giving, them money if their funds from Thailand arrived late. The young king and his brother remained at Ecole Nouvélle de la Suisse Romande until 1941, boarding at the school during their last two years there, as it was their mother's wish for them to learn how to take care of themselves. Meanwhile, Princess Galyani Vadhana

3920-445: The royal family, was entitled to an annual stipend of 200 baht, and that she donated it entirely to needy students. Through the influence of her husband, she had always considered it her responsibility to return to Thailand to help the nation. This sense of responsibility was instilled in her three children. According to Princess Galyani Vadhana , "It was almost an unspoken rule, a nature [sic] sense of priority to do what we could for

3990-415: The suitable course of action for her grandchildren, especially Prince Ananda Mahidol . Prince Rangsit recommended Lausanne , Switzerland, a decision that Mom Sangwan approved due to its mild climate, scenery, and hospitable people. It was also said to be one of the most favoured places of her much-travelled husband Prince Mahidol. In April 1933, Mom Sangwan and her children left for Switzerland, together with

4060-418: The team were Europeans. When it became clear that Chulalongkorn preferred to stay in the garden, with only occasional visits to the Grand Palace for state and royal ceremonies, the name was changed to Wang Dusit meaning 'celestial dwelling'. The king also ordered the construction of Wat Benchamabophit nearby to serve as the palace's official temple. Apart from his long walks, Chulalongkorn also indulged in

4130-471: The throne as promulgated by King Vajiravudh in 1924, the next in line was the son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla Nagarindra . Thus Prince Ananda Mahidol , as yet only nine years old, was declared the eighth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty . Since the new king was only nine years old, parliament unanimously appointed Prince Aditya Dibabha Abhakara (son of Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse,

4200-695: Was affectionately called Somdet Ya ( Thai : สมเด็จย่า ), "the Royal Grandmother". The various hill tribe people, to whom she was a special patron, called her Mae Fah Luang ( Thai : แม่ฟ้าหลวง ), "Royal Mother from the Sky" or "The Heavenly Royal Mother". Sangwan Chukramol was born on 21 October 1900, in Nonthaburi Province . Her family was of Laotian descent from Vientiane . By nine years old, Sangwan's parents and her older brother and sister had all died, leaving her and her younger brother, Thomya, to

4270-495: Was attending an international school in Geneva . The princess mother made a point of hiring an English governess to teach English to the king. She also made sure her children kept up with their Thai language and culture studies with a tutor, Prueng Siribhatra, who was sent by the Thai government . The family lived in Switzerland until all three children were graduated. On 29 November 1945,

SECTION 60

#1732854760623

4340-462: Was elevated to the ranks of royalty with the title Her Royal Highness . Throughout the two months that the young king appeared in the midst of his people, the Thais had a chance to admire his maturity and his demeanor, which was most becoming to a monarch and far beyond his years. The princess mother took advantage of this brief sojourn in their homeland to make sure that the king saw as much as he could of

4410-409: Was feeling listless and unhappy, he asked her if she would be interested in studying nursing. Sangwan answered at once that she would be. Siriraj Hospital had opened a school of midwifery and nursing, but despite the minimum requirement of being able to read and write, had not been able to attract many students. As a further incentive, each student was paid 15 baht per month, sufficient to live on for

4480-597: Was presided over by Prince Mahidol Adulyadej's half-brother, King Vajiravudh . Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and Mom Sangwan Mahidol na Ayudhya had three children, a daughter and two sons: The marriage was followed by a visit to various European countries before the couple eventually returned to the United States. Prince Mahidol resumed his studies in public health at Harvard and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston and arranged for his wife to take

4550-525: Was returned to the king as part of the palace once more. King Vajiralongkorn chose to keep his residence at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall , where he was already living before the death of his father Bhumibol. In 2019 the National Assembly of Thailand moved into new premises, named the Sappaya-Sapasathan . As a result, the old parliament building was returned to the King and was promptly demolished and

4620-412: Was sent to Satri Wittaya School, while she lived with Huan Hongsakul, the nanny of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla , the younger brother of Princess Valaya Alongkorn. After an accident with a sewing needle , Sangwan was sent to Lord ( Phraya ) Damrong Baedyakhun, the court physician for surgery. She stayed at his house while continuing her schooling at Satri Wittaya School. Sensing that she

4690-456: Was studying at Rajini School . As soon as they were old enough, her sons were also sent to school, Prince Ananda Mahidol attended kindergarten at Mater Dei School and transferred to Debsirin School , while Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej remained in kindergarten at Mater Dei School. On 24 June 1932, the 1932 Siamese Revolution brought about the end of Thailand's absolute monarchy, and the start of

4760-689: Was the third female regent of the Rattanakosin era , the first being Queen Saovabha Phongsri during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (later became Queen Sri Bajrindra, the Queen Mother), and Queen Sirikit early on in the present reign. In this capacity, she put her signature to a number of important laws and declarations, including the Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1960, and the first National Economic Development Plan, 1961–1966. A trip to northern Thailand in 1964 helped change her routine. Not long after

4830-428: Was waiting to welcome them, though Sangwan was unaware of his rank. Furthermore, she had no idea that her presence had already made an impact on the young prince, who, according to his roommate, Pradit Sukhum (later Lord (Luang) Sukhum Nayapradit), arrived home after two in the morning, shook him awake saying, "The two girls have arrived. Sangwan is really very pretty, you know." Prince Mahidol Adulyadej had arranged for

4900-459: Was well enough to travel, he and his family went to Europe again for an extended stopover, returning eventually to Siam in 1928 and taking up residency at Sra Pathum Palace . Prince Mahidol died on 24 September 1929 at Sapathum Palace. At her husband's death, Mom Sangwan was just 29 years old, occupied with raising her three young children ranging in age from six and four to one year, nine months. At that time, her daughter, Princess Galyani Vadhana

#622377