Royal Duties
Royal Duties
Throughout his growing years, his royal duties as heir to the throne and on behalf of
His Majesty the Late King
and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit have been increasingly broadening. As manifest as his statement when taking an oath to commit to royal duties for the benefits
of the people, His Majesty the King’s perseverance and determination have always been evident to all Thais. They were emphasized again in Grand Ceremony held by
the government to celebrate the Crown Prince and his accession to the throne on 29 December 1972 (B.E. 2515).
For more than 10 consecutive years, His Majesty the King has shown selfless efforts to perform his duties solely for the benefit of the people, as well as prosperity of the country. Important parts of His Majesty the King’s duties include medical service and public health care, education, agricultural development, social welfare and charities, military and aviation, religions, sports, and foreign affairs.
Military
It was the passion the Crown Prince (title at the time) has had for military science since he was young
that led to beginning of his career
in military on 9 January 1975 (B.E. 2518). After obtaining education and training from Military College in Australia, he has been persevering in his attempts to continue advancing
his knowledge and strengthening his skills throughout his military career, until he has become well-rounded both in terms of theoretical aspect and practical experience.
Aviation
His Majesty the King’s interest in aviation started at the age of 11
when he paid a visit to inspect Royal Thai Air Force operation.
King Rama the tenth has been determined to become a “pilot” ever since.
Since His Majesty the King was still young, his potential to be the pilot has never been questioned.
Education
His Majesty the King has been aware of disadvantaged youth in remote areas
where educational institutions are lacking. Since being
titled as the Crown Prince, His Majesty has been granting his personal funds to Ministry of Education to build 6 middle and secondary schools in various
regions of Thailand.
Medical Service and Public Health Care
His Majesty the King, then the Crown Prince, has always placed great importance
on the Thai people’s health and well-being, as they are
one of the most significant factors contributing to development of qualified human resources as the power of the nation. In response to this, His Majesty has been
committed to performing royal duties regarding medical service and public health care, particularly when the government established 21 Somdej Phra Yupparaj Hospitals
all over Thailand as an honor for his dedication and on the occasion of his Royal Wedding Ceremony.
Religious Support
His Majesty the King, then the Crown Prince, took the vow to become Buddhist
on 3 January 1966 (B.E.2509)
at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram in Bangkok. Prior to his departure to further his study in the United Kingdom, His Majesty was
ordained as a monk for a season on 6 November 1978 (B.E. 2521).
While being in monkhood, His Majesty strictly adhered to discipline determined by Buddhism. He also performed royal duties
on behalf of His Majesty the late King, which included performing costume change for the Emerald Buddha. The Ceremonial Costume
Change occurs according to the change of seasons or presiding over Buddhism ceremonies or rituals, such as Makha Bucha day,
Visakha Bucha Day, Asahna Bucha Day, the Buddhist Lent Day, and ‘Kathin’ robe offering ceremony.
Foreign Affairs
His Majesty the King, then the Crown Prince, has always played active role in developing
and establishing good relations with other countries.
Each year, His Majesty has numerous official visits, to many different countries, all over the world on behalf of His Majesty the late King and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
Sports
His Majesty the King, then the Crown Prince, performed numerous royal duties
which were on his behalf and on behalf of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol, including granting Royal Light
for National Youth Games or bestowing award on athletes for their athletic excellence that brings fame and honor to the country. His Majesty’s kindness has been a great encouragement for all the athletes and
their family to continue contributing to the country in years to come.
Social Welfare and Charitable Courses
His Majesty the King, then the Crown Prince, has always had great concerns
for well-being of Thai people, particularly disadvantaged youth groups.
His Majesty paid a visit to many rough areas or slums in Bangkok, such as Phra Khanong district, Khlong Toei district, and Yan Nawa district. In addition to his donation
of necessities, sports equipment, and fire extinguishers, His Majesty guided military units under his direct supervision to work with the locals to improve the environmental quality in the community. To ensure that these groups of disadvantaged children will be able to become good citizen and a valued human resource that contributes to the progress of the country in the future, His Majesty also granted a financial donation to support community projects.
Agricultural Development
Given the fact that agriculture has been main source of income among a number of Thais,
His Majesty the King, then the Crown Prince,
has always acknowledged and promoted the importance of agriculture through his royal duties, such as attending the Royal Ploughing Ceremony on behalf of
His Majesty the late King at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram.
Water Resources Development
His Majesty’s royal duties in Water Resources Management have been performed
with the strong determination to follow footsteps of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej,
who always emphasized the importance of ‘Water’ as the main source for people to maintain their way of life and make a living.
