Every year on September 24 in Thailand it is celebrated in memory of Prince Mahidol in memory of his contribution to the development of medical education. Mahidol was the father of Thailand’s King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and the grandfather of King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).
Mahidol had received great respect at a very young age. He was born in 1892 and raised in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. He attended Harrow School in London for his secondary education. At the age of just thirteen, he was given the honor of the Prince of Songkhla. Her Majesty received military training at the Royal Prussian Military Preparatory College, where she was considered an exceptional student. When he returned to Thailand in 1914, he was given a teaching position at the Royal Navy Academy.
The prince had a keen interest in medicine; He was close to his half-brother, the Prince of Rangsit, who was in charge of the Ministry of Health at the time, and they often discussed the state of health care in Thailand. They were both concerned about how far the country lagged behind Western nations, and they knew that the people deserved better. Prince Mahidol devoted his life to achieve this goal to correct this situation.
To improve the situation in Thailand, he decided to attend Harvard University in 1920. In 1925 he returned to Harvard as a medical student and received his degree in medicine in 1927.
After earning a degree in medicine, he quickly gained a reputation for being an exceptional doctor who worked day and night as more than an intern to help him improve his job.
The Prince died on 24 September 1929. Prince Mahidol was suffering from kidney disease. Prince’s death was no less than a shock to the people of Thailand.
Events take place across the country to celebrate his life on this day. The Ministry of Health organizes special activities There are usually some fund raising activities throughout Thailand and the funds are used for noble medical causes.
On this day the people of modern medicine are honored with the Prince Mahidol Award. It is awarded annually to individuals who have made significant medical or public health improvements. It consists of a cash prize of $100,000, a medal and a certificate