The September 24th of every year is designated as Prince Mahidol Day, the “Father of Modern Thai Medicine”. In commemoration of his selfless devotion to the well-being of Thai people and his contributions to the development of medical education in Thailand. On this day, a lot of shops and all schools are closed. Throughout his life, the Prince donated a total of 1.4 mil Bath for medical work. His donations were for:
- the build of a male surgery building at Siriraj Hospital in 1920.
- a trust fund to send worthy students to medical schools abroad.
- the buy and renovate a building to be used as a dormitory for nursing students.
- the salary of nursing teachers from abroad.
- the build of a hospital administration building.
- scholarships to send 10 students to study abroad in the area of Public Health.
- two research grants to newly graduated doctors.
- the payment for an x-ray machine for use at MacCormic Hospital, Chang Mai.
The Prince’s support of education went beyond the health area. In 1924, he donated to a Bangkok Christian School to hire an American teacher. Two years later he gave 100.000 Bath in scholarships to the Department of Fisheries.
Mahidol was the father of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) of Thailand, and the paternal grandfather of King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). He also founded the House of Mahidol, the present Royal Family of Thailand.
Prince Mahidol was the 69th son of King Rama V and the seventh child of Queen Sawang. When he was born in 1891 in the Grand Palace, he was named “His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol Adulyadej” by his Royal Father. He died on September 24th, 1929 at the age of 37.
