สำนักงานราชบัณทิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume IV - 2012  Editor’s Note As the Journal of the Royal Institute volume IV, due at the end of 2012, wishes to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit turning 80, consequently many essays and articles in this issue focus on works in which Her Majesty is involved. The fi rst essay, “The Story behind the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer, its philosophy and outreach projects” informs us about the aims of the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer (QSCBC) and how these aims are achieved. The three essays on “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and the Conservation of the Wild Flower Fields in Northeastern Thailand”, “Mangroves... Coastal Treasure of Thailand”, and “Organic Honey of Thailand” are works which Her Majesty has been promoting. “Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture for Medicine, Health, and Food” is one of Their Majesties’ great concerns. “Queen Sirikit on Her Majesty’s State Visits in 1960 and 1962” recounts the historical royal visits vividly. Other essays, although not focusing directly on the theme, touch upon the various interests of Her Majesty. For example, “King Rama VI’s Promotion of Khon and Drama in General” relates how the promotion was continued successfully by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. “Prince Damrongrajanubhab and Thai Literature” as well as “Translations of National Literature : Existing Translation Works as Means to Promote Understanding among Nations” can widen the interest on Thai literature. Some are of current interest such as “Thai food: A Gateway to Cultural Understanding.” It is hoped that the variety of essays in this issue will catch a wider audience’s interests and bring readers to join us in honouring and celebrating Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 80th Birthday. Long Live Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. (Srisurang Poolthupya) Editor iii