Continuing a tradition established by the king’s grandmother, Queen Savang Vadhana, and carried on by his father, the king also promoted medical training.
In 1955, he honored his brother’s memory by establishing the Anandamahidol Fund, which grants scholarships for advanced study abroad in medicine. The fund would eventually sponsor students for degrees in many branches of science and technology and occasionally other disciplines. On 3 April 1959, the king elevated its status to the Anandamahidol Foundation.
According to Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert of the Ministry of Public Health, scholarship recipients, after completing advanced studies abroad, return to pass on their newfound knowledge. “Several research institutes have been established for returnees to undertake research studies in the country,” he said.
Between 1959 and 2011, a total of 293 students received advanced degrees abroad on scholarships from the foundation. Some early recipients of scholarships became leaders in establishing their branch of healthcare in Thailand, such as Dr. Charas Suwanwela, a specialist in neurosurgery, and Dr. Prawase Wasi, a specialist in hematology.
The Anandamahidol Foundation helped foster the development of a corps of medical professionals who would help drive the advance of the public health system.
SOURCES:
- 50 years of development work according to the initiatives of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. (1996). (2 nd ed.). The Office of the Royal Development Projects Board.
- Chuensuksawadi, P. (ed.). (1996). King Bhumibol Adulyadej: Thailand’s guiding light. The Post.
- Grossman, N. & Faulder, D. (eds.). (2011). King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life’s work. Editions Didier Millet.
- His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the conservation on natural resources and environment. (2006). Department of Environmental Quality Promotion.
- King Bhumibol: Strength of the land. (2000). Secretariat of the Prime Minister. National Identity Office.
- Lion Club International 310c, Thailand. (2019). History of Thai encyclopedia. https://en.lionsclubs310c.org/thaiencyclopedia
- Pakaworawuth, C. (ed.). (2006). King Bhumibol and his enlightened approach to teaching. Government Public Relations Department. Office of the Prime Minister.
- “ตามรอยพ่อ” เฉลิมพระชนมายุ 80 พรรษา = A tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the Occasion of His Majesty’s 80 th Birthday Anniversary. (2550). Nation Group.
- พระฉัตรทองของแผ่นดิน: สมุดภาพพระราชกรณียกิจ = The golden chatra of the land : A photo album of His Majesty the King’s royal activities. (2551). สำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี.