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The Royal Institute and the Development of the Nation*

Professor Emeritus Wissanu Krea-ngam, PhD
Fellow of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences,
The Royal Society of Thailand

The information contained in this article is familiar to most Thai people. The lecturer

(Professor Dr. Wissanu Krea-ngam) simply gathered these scattered pieces of information
together for this special lecture, entitled “The Royal Institution and the Development of

the Nation.” This is one of the three special lectures under the theme of “The uniqueness of
Thai System of Democracy with His Majesty the King as Head of State. It is organized by

Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, the Royal Society of Thailand to commemorate
the 72 anniversary of His Majesty King Rama X’s birthday.
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The term “institution” refers to the establishment or creation of something ongoing,
rather than temporary. Well-known examples of institution include family, law, court,

and the Royal Institution. This term encompasses not just the king but also the royal family,
high-ranking royal members all the way down to Mom Chao. In addition, the palace,

royal courts and associated articles are also part of the Royal Institution. Hence, this term,
when used in legal contexts, the term “institution” is not limited to the king alone but includes

the various entities and individuals mentioned above.
The term “development” refers not only to growth and expansion, but should also

encompasses long term sustainability.

* This is an English version adapted from the article with the same title in Thai published in the book
“The Royal Institution and Academic Advancement of the Nation” (สถาบัันพระมหากษััตริย์์กับัวิิวิัฒนาการทาง
วิิชาการของประเทศ). The Thai excerpt was provided by Mr. Krisda Punyasmita, an associate fellow, Academy
of Moral and Political Sciences, the Royal Society of Thailand. The English excerpt was provided by
Professor Dr. Sanya Sukpanichnant, an associate fellow, Academy of Science, the Royal Society of Thailand.
English language editing was provided by Dr. Paiboon Mahaisavariya.

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