Our Royal Family

Role Model to the World

‘JJ’ Jeremy Johanson

HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra

Thailand is a very special country, made so because of the dedication of its Royal Family. Ideals of self-negation and the belief in the noble principle of the dignity and self-worth of human beings irrespective of birth, sex, race and religion, as well as the moral conviction to work for the improved welfare of humanity have been handed down from HRH Prince Mahidol of Songkla, and his wife, the Princess Mother, to be instilled in their children His Majesty King Bumbibol Adulyadej and HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra.

This tradition of helping and heart continues through the work of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who started her philanthropic career when she was sixteen, by regularly accompanying their Majesties, her parents, on regular visits to remote areas, developing special interests in agriculture, education, the handicapped and information technology. It is these qualities that give our nation its soul.

There are nearly 2000 Royal Projects around the country, helping people to help themselves, with dignity. But the projects need our help and it is corporations like Bangkok Airways that shine as an example in helping the country. They recently hosted a spectacular cultural performance featuring the Shaanxi Song & Dance Troupe from Xi’an, China, to which all proceeds went to the charities under the patronage of HRH Princess Galyani.

Living in this wonderful country we each have to help in our own way,

helping the Royal Family,

and each other,

not only with money, but also through our daily lives and actions.

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	ML Nandhika Varavarn Senior Corporate Communications Director, Bangkok Airways “We all know that the Royal Family plays a very important role in helping the underprivileged people in Thailand. They not only personally go out there to the people but also help through their institutions and foundations. All of us are so grateful to them. Being a Thai, I am also grateful that I am able to be part of supporting The Royal Family’s foundations through our company, Bangkok Airways, by creating charity events. These events also allow Thais to be part of helping by their generous donations. I think that Thais are generous by heart and seeing the Royal Family’s sacrifices, of their time and support to the people, naturally brings the country together creating a country with heart”
	Lieutenant General & Mrs Soonthorn Soponsiri Director Thai TV5 “It is our mission to fully support whatever good is done in the country, all good social causes, and fully support His Majesty the King and the country, in every way. His Majesty is so very good. He has more than 2000 projects to which he devotes all of his time, all of his energy. We really appreciate this. Everyone is helping. His Majesty has so many projects and we need more. We need more money also. People can help firstly by understanding, truly understanding and just following him, follow his steps. He’s good, very good. I believe the Thai people have faith in all of the Kings projects. Maybe we have some questions about some projects, but not the King’s projects.”
	Lanfaa Devahastin “First of all in Thailand, the majority of the people are still in agriculture and they are probably in the poorest group as far as income is concerned. So in order to develop our country, we have to help these people first. The best way to support his Majesty’s projects is to buy products from the Royal Foundation. We respect the Royal Family, from generation to generation. This is enhanced by the work that he has been doing for the past 50 years. We are so convinced that he is doing all he can. He actually sacrifices his physical comfort to help the poor people. This really thrills us, just this particular thought alone.”
	MC Udayakanya Bhanubandhu “The King has many foundations to look after. I think that we all have to help, to help the foundations. Apart from his many foundations, he has also helped build the country in the hearts of the people. I think that we all should help them, their Majesties, not only by giving them our hearts and helping with their many activities that take place, but by living our own lives with heart also.”
	Gordon Huntly Vice President & Country Manager, American Express “At American Express, we are very happy to be able to sponsor events like this evening’s cultural performance. It gives us a wonderful opportunity to bring some world class performances to Bangkok, a city of international cultural events. With all of the proceeds of this evening’s event are going to the Princess’s charities, this is one of the best ways that corporations can help promote the philanthropic activities of the Royal Family and their foundations.”
	Jeff Cook Sales Director, Rovert Mondavi Wines “I think the Royal Family embodies the spirit of the Thai people. Thais deeply revere the Royal family and this is a personification of what it is to be Thai. What is it to be Thai? What comes to my mind is compassion. Their Highnesses set the example, and they are the epitome of this. People who come to Thailand, whether it’s their first visit or many visits, come away with that observation that the Thai people are very compassionate.”
	Somruthai Prasarttong-Osoth “As a human beings we should think about giving to society, to the people around us or the place where we live, and this can extend all the way to the world. A gift can be in the form of a physical gift, giving our time, our effort, or giving in terms of monetary giving, meaning charitable donations. The Royal Family gives us a great example, being the leaders in contributing to society. So, as a Thai citizen we should try to follow their footsteps, either by participating in these activities, or by doing other things for our communities as well. Thai people are very kind and happy. The fact that we’re happy, we want to see other people happy too. So maybe this in conjunction with Royal family setting a good example helping society, creates a natural path that we follow.”