|
HRH Prince Mahidol
of Songkla
The Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health of
Thailand
Love Has Its Way
|
|
|
Painting
by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With a plan to support hospitals and a medical school in Thailand,
Prince Mahidol asked Prince Chainart-narenthorn, Chief of the Royal
Medical School, to send over four students to the USA, for whom the
Prince and Queen Savang Vadhana used their personal funds to pay for
their studies.
One of the students was the future Princess Mother, then eighteen year-old
Ms. Sangwan Talabhat, who was selected to study nursing at Simmons College.
It was said that the Prince personally picked up the four students
from the train station: This was said to be the place where he first
met his future wife.
Three years later, when Prince Mahidol visited Thailand, he asked permission
from King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), to be given holy water and a blessing
for his marriage at Sapathum Palace on 10 September 1920.
Improving Medical Studies with
the Rockefeller Foundation
In 1921, after Prince Mahidol received his C.P.H, the Rockefeller Foundation
approached Thailand with the offer to assist in the development of medical
studies.
Dr. R.M. Pearce was sent to see Chao Phraya Surasak Montri, the former
Minister of Education.
At this time, Prince Mahidol, taking a temporary rest from Harvard,
was in Europe.
He held discussions with the Rockefeller Foundation and selected students
for the foundation's scholarships.
In 1923, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, their first child
and only daughter, was born in London, England.
Two months later, Prince Mahidol returned to Thailand and was appointed
Director-General of the University Department of the Ministry of Education.
With many opportunities to assist in his designated area, the Prince
upgraded the teaching of biology, physics, chemistry; developed curricular;
ensured that up-to-date equipment was purchased and oversaw the construction
of laboratories and classroom buildings.
This, in addition to the implementation of the agreement with the Rockefeller
Foundation, which Prince Mahidol pursued until final decisions were
made.
|
