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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

The final example occurred during the celebration for the 25 anniversary of the King’s reign.
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The Prime Minister at the time proposed constructing a grand memorial but the King suggested
instead the development of more roads to alleviate traffic, improve transportation and boost

the economy. This led to the creation of Ratchadaphisek Road, which is now part of Bangkok’s
Inner Ring Road.

The lecturer (Professor Dr. Wissanu Krea-ngam) presents these historical insights to illustrate
the role of the Royal Institution in the nation’s development. Regarding His Majesty King Rama X,

he has followed his father’s footsteps, making significant strides in improving the lives of his
people in health care, education, and religion, corresponding to the King Rama X’s initial royal

command “We will continue, preserve, enhance, and rule the land justly for the perpetual
benefit and happiness of the people.”

His Majesty King Rama I once wrote a profound description in Ramakien (Ramayana’s epic),
saying, “All the cities are like physical bodies. The king is the soul presiding over the body.

Both right and left hands are governors. Both feet are the 4 pillars – wisdom, energy, cleanliness,
and solidarity – that sustain life, while the 32 organs complete the physical form.” Today, many

scholars compare Thailand to a human body, with 66 million people in need of civilization.
We have homes, buildings, canals, roads, highways, motor ways, trains, and more. Yet, we must

always remember that, above all, the king is the soul guiding this collective body. We, Thai people,
are fortunate to have noble kings in the Chakri Dynasty, from King Rama I to the present King,

with great dedication to the nation’s development, resulting in the flourishing country we live
in today.

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