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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

as a secretary-general of the cabinet (1996-2002) had the privilege of accompanying the prime

ministers to meet with the King. All the ideas shared by the King were only for the benefits of
people, not for his own gain. For instance, the King once returned a law to the prime minister

because it included the title “the Great” for himself. He firmly believed such title should be
bestowed by others, not self-assigned.

On his first day in office, Prime Minister Banharn Silp-archa attended an audience with the
King and accompanied by the lecturer (Professor Dr. Wissanu Krea-ngam). The King, noticing his

concern, asked if anything was troubling him. The Prime Minister replied, “I’m worried because
I’ve never been a Prime Minister before.” The King laughed and said “I’ve never been a king

before either, but don’t worry–just govern and develop this nation as you did your province,
Suphan Buri. If you can help the other 75 to 76 provinces thrive like yours, that will be enough.”

The King’s advice was kind and reassuring.
On that same day, the King also suggested the Prime Minister to look into the Charun

Sanitwong Road near his residence, which was a deadend. He recommended reconstructing it
to connect with Borommaratchachonnani Road nearby, which would ease traffic congestion in

the area. The next day, the Prime minister visited the site, took note of the King’s suggestion,
and found a solution.

In another instance, when Prime Minister Banharn Silp-archa sought the King’s advice on
building a King’s Tower in front of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, hoping it could

serve as a tourist attraction similar to the Banharn-Jamsai Tower in Suphan Buri province. The King
responded with practical wisdom. The Prime Minister explained it was for telecommunication

purposes but the King replied, “Times have changed; we have now satellite in space for that
purpose. And if it’s for a panoramic city view as a tourist attration, we already have places like

the Golden Mount in Wat Saket and the Baiyok skyscraper for that. There’s no need for another
high tower to compete with the Eiffel tower. Should you want to build something, let it be for

public good, something that will truly honor me.”
An example of His Majesty King Rama IX’s thoughtful leadership for the benefit of

Thai people occurred when the King was staying at Klai Kang Won Palace in Hua Hin district,
Prachuap Kiri khan Province. At that time, the Prime Minister requested for permission to renovate

the palace and to expand the local hospital at Hua Hin, equipping it with advanced medical
technology as a precaution. However, the King declined, citing that the palace was in good

condition and that the medical team was fully capable of managing any situation that might
arise. He emphasized that improvements to the local hospital should be focused on enhancing

services for the local citizens and tourists, ensuring they benefited from better healthcare.

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