His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has steadfastly embodied the spirit of generosity, evident from his unwavering support for the medical fraternity battling the relentless Covid-19 pandemic. This benevolence is a legacy passed down from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.
As the Kingdom prepares to celebrate His Majesty’s 69th birthday on July 28, we honor his vast contributions to medical science and public health—contributions that have become indispensable in mitigating the suffering wrought by the pandemic crisis that has plagued the nation for over a year.
His Majesty is profoundly respected for his impactful initiatives in medical science and public health, especially in alleviating the distress caused by the pandemic that severely struck the country from early 2020 onward, stretching over three arduous years.
Since the initial outbreak of Covid-19, His Majesty has donated 122 million baht worth of mobile laboratory units and medical equipment to hospitals and medical institutions nationwide.
The distribution of these donations was coordinated through a dedicated project focused on supplying medical equipment and respiratory aids to combat Covid-19. This initiative fortified the country’s public health sector by providing essential tools for screening and testing at-risk populations in heavily impacted areas.
His Majesty has continually monitored the Covid-19 situation, driven by a fervent desire to swiftly alleviate his subjects’ suffering and hardship.
The King generously contributed two mobile X-ray units, 200,000 reusable PPE items, 400,000 standard PPE Silguard isolation gowns, and 50,000 PPE Silguard coveralls.
These royally donated PPE items became a vital resource for front-line medical workers, who faced a relentless demand for protective gear as they toiled tirelessly to save lives, often at great personal risk.
In 2021, Their Majesties the King and Queen received a prototype of the Express Analysis Mobile Unit from the president of Chulalongkorn University Council. Their Majesties donated an additional four units, which, combined with the university’s gift, were handed over to the public health permanent secretary to facilitate Covid-19 testing.
These mobile units, along with royally donated sample-collecting vehicles, enabled rapid sample collection and analysis within three hours, crucial for mass testing in high-infection areas and effective tracing of infection clusters.
On June 7, 2021, Their Majesties contributed 16 more sample-collecting vehicles outfitted with advanced information technology and six biosafety units. These complemented the previously donated 20 similar vehicles, offering on-site testing and reducing the necessity for hospital visits, thus curbing the spread of the virus.
The Bureau of the Royal Household (BRH) consistently highlighted Their Majesties’ ongoing vigilance since the pandemic’s onset in Thailand in early 2020.
Their Majesties provided sage advice on containment measures and moral support to frontline public health workers, acknowledging their relentless efforts and fatigue as they dedicated themselves to the sick.
In addition to medical aid, Their Majesties bought agricultural products from across regions, helping sustain trade and providing an economic lifeline during the crisis.
On June 12, 2021, BRH’s website shared that His Majesty had personally prepared and distributed nutritious meals, including pork noodles, braised pork spare ribs with rice, and northern-style laab with galingale, to medical workers treating Covid-19 patients.
Furthermore, His Majesty authorized the kitchen of the Amporn Sathan Residential Hall at Dusit Palace to prepare meals, which the military distributed to people in quarantine from May 24 to June 11 in Bangkok. An impressive 44,196 meal boxes were delivered daily, bringing joy and extending gratitude to those in need.
On July 6, the King’s deputy principal private secretary, Air Marshal Supichai Sunthornbura, handed over 2,000 bottles of fah talai jon (kariyat) medicinal concentrate on behalf of His Majesty to then-Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang. These were allocated to Covid-19 patients receiving treatment in various healthcare facilities.
The King’s contributions during the pandemic were indeed vital. However, isn’t it the government’s primary responsibility to ensure healthcare isn’t reliant on royal donations?
That’s a good point. The King’s efforts were commendable, but it does make one wonder about the efficiency of the public health system.
We should appreciate every help. It’s not about who does it, but the fact that it gets done.
True, but such significant dependence on royal aid may highlight deep issues in our public services.
As a healthcare worker, I can tell you those donations made a huge difference. Without them, we would have been overwhelmed.
This philanthropic legacy traces back to King Bhumibol’s era; it’s a continuity worth celebrating.
Absolutely! It’s inspiring to see the current King following his father’s footsteps so effectively.
While the legacy is impressive, it’s also essential to have a self-sufficient health system that isn’t reliant on such legacy.
It’s amazing how much His Majesty has contributed personally; providing meals shows true compassion.
It’s great to see leaders being deeply involved. Actions like these make a real difference.
Indeed, it’s the personal touch that matters the most sometimes.
I think he’s doing a fantastic job upholding his father’s legacy. Governments worldwide could learn from this level of dedication.
Buying agricultural products was a clever move! Supporting local economies while addressing the pandemic.
Does anybody else feel that all this royal support is a bit of a PR stunt?
Well, even if it is, the impact on people’s lives is undeniable and much needed.
I get that, but I think it’s important to scrutinize the motivations behind such acts too.
The King’s aid was crucial, but what happens when the pandemic is over? We need long-term solutions too.
16 sample-collecting vehicles with advanced IT! That’s cutting-edge. The King really understands modern needs.
Not many leaders would prepare meals themselves. Kudos to His Majesty for such personal involvement.
Yes, it’s quite heartwarming to see such personal dedication from a monarch.
This paints a stark contrast to how some other nations handled the pandemic. Leadership truly matters.
Mobile lab units and X-ray units! That’s impressive. How many other leaders have offered such smart, practical help?
Several countries have done similar things, but it’s good to see the King being proactive.
Innovations like these are crucial for dealing with health crises efficiently.
The economic lifeline provided by buying agricultural products was a stroke of genius. It’s all interconnected!
It’s refreshing to see leaders value science and medical advancements. More should follow this example.
I agree. Proactive and meaningful contributions like this can change the course of a pandemic.
His Majesty’s contributions are very admirable, but it brings into question the balance of power and responsibility in the country.
True! We have to strike a balance between appreciating royal generosity and pushing for systemic improvements.
Would this level of involvement be possible in a non-monarchical system? It’s an interesting comparison.
The sustainment of trade and economy by buying agricultural products was a brilliant way of supporting local farmers!