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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

–accepted to government services for 2 years and then studied for bachelor’s degrees.

After graduation, they may resume their positions or choose to work for the benefits of their
hometowns. (Wattanachai, 1974)

It is apparent that King Rama X gives utmost importance to the national education similar
to the previous kings under the Chakri dynasty as already mentioned. Approximately half of

the recipients supported by the foundation have been in the field of sciences and they are
under a well-organized structure that nurtured them to be qualified and altruistic in serving

the public.
King Rama X is a pragmatist. He has a clear vision, accompanied by royal initiatives and

projects in ruling the country for the benefits of his people. His devotion to work is apparent;
he closely monitors and supervises all the projects and initiatives, old and new, with ongoing

adjustments with the aim for public good. He has his two sisters–Princess Maha Chakri
Sinrindhorn and Princess Chulabhorn–also continue various science projects that began in their

father’s reign. Below are those projects in brief.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has initiated a good number of projects related to science

resulting in advancement of science and technology in Thailand. She is aware that the world
has changed considerably; everyone needs to learn throughout their whole lives and the

societies need to produce new knowledge and innovations. This requires competence in science
and technology which needs to be cultivated from childhood. Rational thinking and proof-based

learning will lead to systematic problem solving and eventually the growth and development
of the country.

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn always eagers to learn and keep up with the advance
in science and technology in various fields such as astronomy, elementary particle physics,

nanotechnology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, development and application of
information technology system, and grid computing technology. She wants Thai public to learn

new technology and keep up with up-to-date knowledge from developed countries so that
we can apply knowledge efficiently. Hence, whenever she attends academic meetings abroad,

she will engage in the sessions with leading scientists and visit their research laboratories
whenever available. Based on her vast experiences, she has initiated many scientific projects

for public awareness about the importance and usefulness of science and technology,
and especially for the youth to learn how to care for natural resources properly.

The first scientific project initiated by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn worth mentioning is
the Thai-CERN relationship project. CERN is an abbreviation from French name Conseil Européen

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