Mahidol University

Faculty of Science


International Cooperation Division

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT AND DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

Ms. Marina Tornorsam Vance, USA

Master of Science in Environmental Biology

The dedications of the late King Rama IX of Thailand strove to enhance the development of science and technology for better quality of life for the people of Thailand. His selfless actions and hard-work established powerful connections and reverence between the King and his people. Known for his time spent in the country-side and his dedicated efforts in the poor, rural areas of Thailand, King Rama IX supported and contributed to significant projects enhancing agriculture and irrigation systems throughout the country. He personally strove to improve the standards of living for rural communities and supported farmers to become self-reliant. Similar to many of the projects ongoing at Mahidol University, King Rama IX set a precedent in Thailand for experimenting with cultivation of different kinds of rice and reversing the effects of monoculture by introducing various growing methods. He focused on agriculture to achieve economic and social progress and to improve public health standards for all. His efforts led to increased research stations and rolling projects in each region of Thailand.

The actions and leadership of King Rama IX continues to inspire all students and researchers throughout Thailand including myself as I dive deeper into learning more about his dedication and the current projects in Thailand. His focus and aspirations for the kingdom of Thailand are evident by his careful research and development of a firm foundation by the rural communities and agriculture industry. By highlighting the importance of the agricultural society and the many communities in Thailand who rely on functional soils, King Rama IX earned respect and reverence from not only his people but the global community. Impressed by his innovative solutions and response to soil and agricultural issues, his birthday, December 5th, was designated as World Soil Day. The King was noted to have said that to ensure “viable, long-term food security and a sustainable ecosystem, soil issues must be addressed as an urgent priority.” With this concept in mind, the King set in place a number of projects to improve soil science and mitigate climate change and degradation of soils from monoculture uses.

I am particularly inspired by King Rama IX’s legacies not only for the tangible work and projects that he left behind, but also for his ability to communicate and connect with all Thai peoples. My scientific passions run deep in the field of environmental science; however, I am most motivated by the needs of the people and in ensuring practical applications for the benefit of society and communities both abiotic and biotic. King Rama IX instilled such strong trust and love between himself and the people due to his personal contact and communication. I believe this is a powerful component of science that needs to be remembered and enhanced throughout the scientific process. Within my own studies, my drive is to practice and increase my own skill sets and abilities so that I may communicate and apply them for the good of society and the land. The “Sufficiency Economy” theory established by King Rama IX developed his methods and ideas into sets of principles designed to minimize risk and build resilience which utilized concepts from Buddhist moderation and balance. In my own life and career, I hope to integrate this theory into all of my work in order to heighten aspects of research and academic life for the improvement of public health and the environment. Integrating resilience within ecosystems by learning how to mitigate both natural and unnatural changes in the environment will become essential as we move forward in environmental biology and work towards improving public health and agricultural industry.

Mr. Ankur Neog, India

Master of Science in Forensic Science

Bhumibol Adulyadej conferred with the title King Bhumibol the Great in 1987, was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri dynasty as Rama IX. After a thorough search in internet about His Majesty, I have come to know so many things about His contribution towards the development of Science and Technology in Thailand. It has been my privilege to write about His contribution from the information I gathered. The King Bhumibol the Great was given the Sanskrit name Bhumibol Adulyadej literally means "Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power". And indeed, He is incomparable. Even as a young prince growing up in Switzerland, His Majesty the King was a keen craftsman. With his older brother, King Ananda Mahidol, he assembled electric engines and radios, models and gliders. He even repaired his nanny’s sewing machine and constructed a simple radio. He embarked on his first-degree studies in the field of science but later switched to law and political and social sciences when he acceded to the throne. Despite his huge responsibilities as king, His Majesty has always used his love of science and engineering for the benefit of his people.

In 1955, while flying to visit villagers in the Phuphan Mountainous land, His Majesty noticed that although there were plenty of heavy clouds along his flight path, they failed to bring rainfall to the parched lands below. His many trips upcountry also informed the King that water scarcity, and the cycle of flooding and drought, had brought extreme hardship to farmers. With no scientific help, they usually relied on supernatural rituals to ask for rain. To overcome the problems, His Majesty first introduced a concept of check dams that help slow down the flow of water and reduce the risk of flash flood. Analyzing the available scientific data, His Majesty made it known to one of his close aides, Mr. Debriddhi Devakul, of his firm intention to search for a way to bring down ‘’more rain than that given by nature’’. The Royal Rain, or artificial rain project, was thus born. The first successful attempt was made in 1969. Further tests helped to refine the technique. According to His Majesty, artificial rain-making comprises three steps: Triggering, fattening and attacking. Potential rain clouds were seeded, built up, dragged and forced to yield rain with precipitation of a reasonable amount of water over target areas. In 2003, the European Patent Office granted a patent, numbered EP1491088, to His Majesty the King for “weather modification by royal rainmaking technology”. Thailand’s help has often been sought by other countries in applying this technology to combat drought.

When Thailand faced severe water pollution problems in the 1990s, His Majesty the King directed his efforts towards ways to solve water pollution as well as waste management and garbage disposal. The Chaipattana Aerator is possibly the best known of His Majesty’s innovations in this field. The Chaipattana Aerator is a floating buoy that rotates slowly to pump oxygen into wastewater. The device was first developed to combat water pollution at Wat Bowon Niwetvihara. True to His Majesty the King’s concept of self-reliance, the aerator is a simple and low-cost mechanical device yet works effectively to alleviate problems of wastewater. Not only is it effective in treating polluted water but it also oxygenates water in ponds used for breeding aquatic animals. The machine is capable of treating water pollution with BOD, or biological oxygen demand, of 250 milligrammes per litre at a rate of 600 cubic metres per day, reducing BOD by more than 90 per cent. The aerator costs only 96 satang per cubic metre of water treated. In terms of pollutants removed, it can be operated for just 3.84 baht per kilogramme of BOD substances. The device is durable and requires little maintenance. In 1993, the Chaipattana Aerator Model RX-2 was granted a patent under His Majesty’s name. It was the first patent in the world given to a reigning monarch. A second patent, numbered 10304, was presented to His Majesty for the Chaipattana Aerator Model RX 5C in 2001. The Chaipattana Aerator has received several awards including the Golden Invention Award by the Belgian Chamber of Inventors at the Eureka Exhibition in Brussels in 2000 and the Yugoslavia Cup for His Majesty’s ingenuity presented by the Group of Yugoslavia countries. On April 4, 2003, His Majesty the King presented the Chaipattana Aerator as a gift to the people of Belgium to be installed at Woluwe Saint-Pierre Park, Brussels. Representing His Majesty, the King at the handover ceremony was HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who made the presentation to Her Majesty Queen Fabiola of Belgium.

Another royal initiative to combat soil degradation and erosion was the planting of vetiver grass. As deforestation had caused a vicious cycle of flooding and drought in several areas around the country, soil erosion inevitably ensued. Recognizing the problem, His Majesty the King initiated studies and experiments on the use of vetiver grass as a potential solution that is both economical and friendly to the environment. Unlike most grasses which have roots that spread horizontally, the vetiver has roots which grow downward to a depth of two to four meters. The stems are also very strong. They can withstand heavy flows of water or flooding. When planted in rows along the side of a mountain, or on road shoulders in the highlands of northern Thailand, they act as a living barrier to prevent soil degradation. As the grass grows, it also helps rehabilitate hard-pan soil. The research showed that the grass could prevent damage to step terraces and hillside ditches while lessening an accumulation of silt in irrigation and draining canals. Vetiver’s aromatic root can be used in wardrobes to protect clothing against moth infestation and clean the air. Its oil is used in fragrances, such as the French perfume Vetiver. His majesty’s vetiver initiative earned him two prestigious awards in 1993 from the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) and the World Bank.

Other innovations by His Majesty the King include an invention of a computer programme called Phasa Khaek for Devanagari characters which assist students and academics working in this specific field.

The cabinet resolved on May 10, 1994, to declare Feb 2 of every year as Inventor’s Day to commemorate the patent of the Chaipattana Aerator issued to His Majesty the King. On the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne in 2006, the cabinet also resolved to present His Majesty with the designation of “The Father of Thai Invention”

Ms. Myat Shwe Yee, Myanmar

Master of Science in Biochemistry

The late King Rama IX tried to find the ways to improve the living of Thai people by understanding the importance of attaining a better quality of life. The King set up a huge number of royal projects that assist to expand knowledge and innovation in areas such as health, welfare and agriculture. His Majesty also established numerous scholarship programs, including the Ananda Mahidol Scholarship Foundation which covers eight fields of study: medicine, science, dentistry, agriculture, law, veterinary science, art and engineering.

For enhancing the country’s infrastructure and improving the well-being of his people, His Majesty travelled overseas to learn about Western civilization, modern technologies and systems of governance. As a working monarch, the King recommended the technical solutions to complex issues of agriculture, health, water management, rainfall and farm management.

Moreover, the King established six royal development study centers in various regions of the country which are for studying and research activity according to different fields. By applying his knowledge of science and technology, the King addressed the challenges of facing Thailand’s rural development.

The King has consistently emphasized science and technology, he also viewed that science had to be balanced with moral wisdom. He reflected that “Science and wisdom cannot be separated”. He found that satellite television could be a tool for improving the quality of education at remote and under-resourced schools. So, he established the King’s Distance Learning Foundation.

For the poor people, the King made many experiments and established Royal Chitralada Projects, which aim to serve as models for the agricultural sector. This would include demonstration forestry, experimental rice fields, biogas production, crop planting, alcohol distillation plant for fuel research, etc. As part of his plan to help his people, His Majesty started dedicating himself to agriculture experiment and demonstration projects within the grounds of Chitralada Palace to improve the well-being of his people.

Furthermore, he opened the Living Museums as a research and development center. He visited all the remote areas of the country and implemented development projects to assist the people for sustainable lives. He also set up the experimental stations which had continued to find ways to combine technology with ancient folk wisdom which is then applied to the problem areas. He invented the Chaipattana Aerator, a low-speed surface aerator that helps to treat waste water that made him to receive the honour because he used simple technology in his inventions which can be applied widely throughout the world. In relation to the agricultural sector, His Majesty formulated the New Theory, which would help farmers become self-sufficient and took out themselves from the vicious cycle of debt.

To conclude that the King Rama IX is a developer king who possesses high diligence, inventiveness and exceptional vision and has great commitments by developing science and technology for a better quality of life.

Mr. Myo ZinTun, Myanmar

Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering

In the history of the Kingdom of Thailand, no one has done so much to help its people, as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Father of Invention. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States, on 5 December 1927. He was the youngest son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkhla, and his commoner wife Mom Sangwan. He was the only monarch to be born in United States. He ascended to the throne on 9 June 1946.

His Majesty involved in many social and economic development projects. The King traveled widely and took an active interest in rural development projects. This let him know that how Thai people in rural area had to live their lives in most difficult ways. He always listened to his people, he found out that the biggest problem in every agricultural area is the lack of water resources. Thai farmers were not able to grow the crops for lack of water. Mostly in that time, Thai farmers would able to grow crops only when the seasonal rain came. And that became the problem when the drought is always happening.

The King was visiting around the countryside, and once he saw the sky was full of clouds but no sense for the rain. He started interesting in researching in cloud seeding and rain making techniques. The King was used to major in science before he changed to political science. The King had set up thousands of development projects because he intended to develop the Thai rural poor. With concern for drought problems due to delay seasonal rain, the King made numerous observations. Using his intelligence, he set a goal to implement artificial rain for cloud seeding. Moreover, he used his private possessions to entrench the Royal Rain Making Technology in 1969.

This Royal Rain Making Technology was The King’s very own initiated unique project because that project was established as soon as he came back from his visits to rural area. His idea was to make the clouds rain in right place. After the King’s continuous studying about that in scientific ways, the actual experiment was carried out in July 1969, in the National Park of Khao Yai. Approximately one cubic inch of dry ice had been named as the first rain making material. That dry ice in amount of one hundred grams were distributed on the top of the existing clouds in 30 second interval at an altitude not above 10000 feet, with small aircraft.

After 15-30 minutes of seeding, the clouds became bigger, darker, and moved to top higher as expected. And that cloud rain moved down toward the mountains. And next day, there was the strong evidence of reasonable amount of rain on the downwind side.

According to this successful first experiment and more research and study set up the second experiment with better facilities. The King traveled to different places for the experiments. The King gave systematic orders, guidelines and scientific support to his working team with kindness to accomplish his goal for making easy, comfy lives of people. His Majesty King continuously tried to develop, improve and modify the technique to become more precise, effective and reliable technique throughout the years. The King also drew the schematic drawing to explain all six steps of his technology all in one page and gave it to Royal Thai rainmaking academics and pilots. His intention was that the students could use his drawing as a guideline and theory to make the experiments in more effective, precise, and successful ways. He even shared the artificial rain services to the farmers officially in 1971. From this artificial rain services, His Majesty could reduce the serious effects of the dry season to farmers and people were able to do their farming projects more efficiently. Again and again, His Majesty was involved in social development projects. Many projects related to water irrigation, building canals, preventing soil erosion, etc. were continued with the help of His Majesty.

In 2001, the King got the world’s recognition because of his endless efforts and love for his people, His Highness received the gold medal and his Royal Thai Rainmaking project and textbook were mentioned at Brussels Eureka, an inter-governmental research and development organization based in the European Union.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej dedicated for his people not only in science area but also in every area of the Kingdom of Thailand. He was the people’s King. revered for his tender care, lifting his people up from poverty by teaching them skills so they could fend for themselves, trudging through croplands in distance provinces, tending to the many development projects that he encouraged and oversaw. He was the tireless champion of his country’s development, demonstrating utter devotion to improve the lives and the standard of living of his people. So, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is my true inspiration who always intended to help his people, who always kept trying to solve the problems of the country and who always worked hard for his country. There is no doubt that King Bhumibol Adulyadej made great leadership to his country and his people. Like a father, he wanted the best for his children. He chose to return to Thailand from Europe because he believed these were a lot of things he could help at home. Not only for the Kingdom of Thailand but also for the world, people will always remember and they will always love the warm-hearted, generous, leader and the inventor of Thailand. We mourn that his body is gone but we know that his spirit lives with us forever.

Mr. Naing Win Htut, Myanmar

Master of Science in Biotechnology

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (Rama X) is the only son, the second of four children, of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. He was born at Ambara Villa, Dusit Palace, in Bangkok on 28 July 1952, and was invested as Crown Prince and Heir to the Throne by King Rama IX in 1972. On behalf of the Thai people, the President of the National Legislative Assembly, acting as the President of the National Assembly, formally invited the Heir Apparent to ascend the throne, and His Majesty the King accepted the invitation on 1 December 2016. In accordance with royal traditions and laws, as well as international traditions and laws, as well as international traditions that a kingdom should not be without a monarch on the throne, the commencement of the reign of King Rama X is therefore effective as of 13 October 2016. When King Bhumibol took the throne, the country’s infrastructure was growing rapidly within the central region and in major cities throughout the Kingdom. However, as with most developing economies, much of the benefits of the economic growth failed to reach the nation’s rural grassroots population.

I know that he creates medical school and established a national education system to improve the quality of life for His subjects. Similarly, King Bhumibol also understood the importance of achieving a higher quality of life for His subjects. To help improve their lives, His Majesty established a vast number of royal projects that helped to expand knowledge and innovation in areas as diverse as health welfare, and agriculture. The late King Bhumibol was also involved in setting up numerous scholarship programs, including the Ananda Mahidol Scholarship Foundation, which was supported directly by the King’s private funds. Since its inception, the foundation’s scholarship program has expanded significantly. Originally focused on the field of medicine, the program now covers such as medicine, science, dentistry, agriculture, law, veterinary science, art and engineering.

Therefore, I deeply interest in study in Mahidol University. This type of training would be valuable to my country to secure food and environment for people. Without food security and sustainable livelihoods, achieving human development is not possible. So, I will have to do research that will one part to solve these problems and also develop by the farmers for their income and living standard. Please help me to get this scholarship program. Master of Science training will help me to reach my dream.

Mr. Phearum Dy, Cambodia

Master of Science in Environmental Biology

In the remembrance of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away at the age of 88, on 13 October 2016, the great King who ruled Thailand by pay attention to science and technology to improve a better quality of life. Especially, he focusses on agriculture sector which a very popular in the country. Hence, the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University launches the “MUSC Scholarship for Human Resource Development in Science & Technology in the Remembrance of Late King Rama IX of Thailand” as a memorial science and technology initiative project in human resource development serving a true determination of King Bhumibol the great. The dedication of the late King Rama IX of Thailand toward the development of science and technology is very helpful to have a better quality of life.

To help improve people lives, His Majesty established a vast number of royal projects that helped to expand knowledge and innovation in areas as diverse as health, welfare, and agriculture. The late King Bhumibol was also involved in setting up numerous scholarship programs, including the Ananda Mahidol Scholarship Foundation, which was supported directly by the King’s private funds. Since its inception, the foundation’s scholarship program has expanded significantly. Originally focused on the field of medicine, the program now covers eight fields of study: medicine, science, dentistry, agriculture, law, veterinary science, art and engineering.

King Bhumibol traveled to the poorest and most remote corners of His Kingdom, sitting on the ground with farmers and villagers, listening to their problems and responding with over 4,000 sustainable development projects to better their lives. Many dealt with improving water, agriculture, livelihoods and health. As one of His closest aides said, however, “we were always confronted with soil issues.” But the late King’s innovative solutions to soil problems earned him the first Humanitarian Soil Scientist award from the International Union of Soil Science in 2012.

In conclusion, the dedication of King Bhumibol Adulyadej is very great and unforgettable. Without his dedication, I will not be able to have this scholarship. I am very thankful to his dedication and also the university that provide me this valuable scholarship. I will try my best to achieve the good result of this scholarship.

Ms. Phyu Phyu Aung, Myanmar

Master of Science in Plant Science

According to my knowledge, King Bhumibol (Rama IX) inherited the throne at the young age. However, instead of immediately acceding to the throne, King Bhumibol took time to travel overseas to learn about Western civilization, modern technologies and systems of governance - information which He believed will enable Him to not just carry out His duties as Head of State effectively, but will also contribute to the greater good of the country in the long run.

When King Bhumibol took the throne, the country’s infrastructure was growing rapidly within the central region and in major cities throughout the Kingdom. However, as with most developing economies, much of the benefits of the economic growth failed to reach the nation’s rural grassroots population. In the country’s most remote zones, access to these people was virtually impossible. Yet, King Bhumibol made it His personal mission to travel to all regions within the Kingdom in order to reach His loyal subjects regardless of their location. Throughout his travels, His Majesty initiated projects to build roadways to the country’s most remote and isolated regions.

To improve the quality of life for His subjects, King Chulalongkorn built the country’s first hospital, which was based upon medical institutions and practices He had witnessed during His travels to Europe. King Bhumibol then went on to create the Kingdom’s first medical school and established a national education system.

King Bhumibol also understood the importance of achieving a higher quality of life for His subjects. To help improve their lives, His Majesty established a vast number of royal projects that helped to expand knowledge and innovation in areas as diverse as health, welfare, and agriculture. The late King Bhumibol was also involved in setting up numerous scholarship programs, including the Ananda Mahidol Scholarship Foundation, which was supported directly by the King’s private funds. Since its inception, the foundation’s scholarship program has expanded significantly. Originally focused on the field of medicine, the program now covers eight fields of study: medicine, science, dentistry, agriculture, law, veterinary science, art and engineering.

There is no doubt to the fact that King Bhumibol Adulyadej epitomize great leadership by contributing to the betterment of their country and people with the development of science and technology.

Mr. Unays Siraj, Pakistan

Master of Science in Biotechnology

Upon a close examination of the History of Thailand monarchy, the King Bhumibol (King Rama IX) accurately and truly stands out as being in his noble efforts to serve the Thai nation. The King Bhumibol (King Rama IX), is referred to as a “People King”, and also portrayed as “Development King”.

Long revered by Thais as God-like, and the world longest-reigning monarch, his Majesty King Bhumibol (King Rama IX) served 70 years as the constitutional monarch of the Southeast Asian nation. He is also known as (King Rama IX) of the Chakri Dynasty and his popularity remains unquestioned and he is the prominent symbol of Thailand.

The importance of quality education was instilled in him by his father. King Bhumibol (King Rama IX) popularity in the country is also the result of his and the royal family’s efforts to improve the livelihood of ordinary Thai citizens. The king and other members of his family have been promoting the agricultural, environmental, social welfare projects and to improve the quality of education that are endeared to him so much.

Mahidol University (MU), a sovereign research institution in Thailand, became the University of Medical Science in 1943. It was documented as the country's fourth public university.

The university was later retitled in 1969 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej after his father’s name “Prince Mahidol Songkhla”, who is widely regarded as "Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health of Thailand”. The University maintains its position to provide quality education to the people of the area.

Mahidol University has been contributing a lot of research in different fields, in addition, it provides an excellent education in many fields. There is no doubt in the fact that the faculty of Mahidol University kept the King Bhumibol (King Rama IX) words to provide a unique education to the people. The university produces leaders, philosophers, scientists and great researchers. The University provides an MUSC Scholarship for Human Resource Development in Science and Technology in the Remembrance of Late King Rama IX of Thailand that is the reason why the most intellectuals can now find opportunities to use their mental faculties to create great names in different fields that in turn that gives publicity to the very institute where they started their research studies. To put it in other words, the credit goes to Mahidol University and especially to the Late King Bhumibol (King Rama IX).

Even though King Bhumibol (King Rama IX) is no longer with us, yet millions of Thais and others who appreciates his legacy that turned out to honor and their love for him at home and abroad. Many will commemorate his achievements for sustainable development in the field of science and arts.

And many will also realize the day is World Soil Day, when environmentalists and soil scientists in every corner of the earth pay tribute to the late King whose name, Bhumibol, means “Strength of the Land”.

Mr. Mohammad Sultonun Arifin Ali Ashar, Indonesia

Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology

The late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej also known as King Rama IX. He was the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty under the Thai constitutional monarchy. He was born at the Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the United States on Monday December 5, 1927, being the third and youngest child of Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Mahidol of Songkhla. He studied political science in Switzerland. He ascended the throne in 1946 and married Queen Sirikit who was the daughter of the Thai ambassador to France, they had four children. After reigning for more than 60 years. The late His Majesty King Bhumibol is known as the longest running king in the world. The Thai people consider him semi-divine as he is loved and highly respected by the Thai people.

The late His Majesty King Bhumibol is recognized as an intelligent, critical, friendly, charismatic, brave, sociable, compassionate, and integrity leader. He is open to new experiences and tries new things. He is the leader who is responsible for his behavior and learns from his mistakes. The late His Majesty King Bhumibol is a leader who can change his leadership style to suit different circumstances. Therefore, the late His Majesty King Bhumibol is a great leader and he always lives in the hearts and minds of the Thai people.

The late His Majesty King Bhumibol is also described as the "King of Development". He has a lot of expertise. During his reign he carried out many royal projects in providing food and basic necessities for his people. These projects began as independent experiments in parks in Chitralada Villa, private residence of his majesty, the Dusit Palace. Experiments are carried out in the fields of agriculture, forestry and small-scale industries. After being considered successful, the project was provided to the people and carried out throughout Thailand.

Early in his reign, the late His Majesty King Bhumibol became interested in artificial rainmaking to assist farmers, who are very dependent on rainwater for their cultivation. He found that drought had become more severe in certain areas of the country and caused hardships to farmers. At this point, he began to study artificial rainmaking techniques to seek ways of bringing down more rain to ease drought. He paid great attention to rainmaking operations and he sometimes got involved with them himself. The late His Majesty King Bhumibol applied modern technology to existing resources to enhancing rainmaking potential. Non-toxic and environment-friendly chemicals, devised by His Majesty, are used to stimulate the air mass upwind of the target area to rise and from rain clouds. When clouds become dense, they will in a large amount of water and then drops of water will fall from the clouds. Rainmaking have greatly benefited farmers, as they ease water shortages and increase agricultural output. They also play an important role in adjusting environmental problems by easing water pollution in rivers and canals.

In Agriculture, the late His Majesty King Bhumibol give some principles for Thai farmers to be able to feed and live by themselves, starting with produce rice and then they have enough rice to be grown for their household consumption, with the excess harvest can be sold to raise their incomes.

The late His Majesty King Bhumibol received several awards during his lifetime, especial Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award which was first given by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The award praised the king's tireless efforts to help the poorest people in Thailand.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has passed away at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand on October 13, 2016, at 3:52 p.m., at the age of 88. The next day, his body was carried in a procession to the Grand Palace for the customary bathing rite. The royal cremation ceremony took place over five days at the end of October 2017. After cremation, his remains and ashes are taken to the Grand Palace and were enshrined in Chakri Maha Phasat Throne Hall, Royal Cemetery at Wat Ratchabophit and Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Royal Temple.

In my view, the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was one of the great nation leader in the history through his remarkable policies and actions in humanity, economic development, science, agriculture and etc. So, he deserves to be a role model for world leaders today and always lives in the heart and mind of Thai people.

Mr. Phyo Pyae Thar, Myanmar

Master of Science in Exercise Physiology

Science and technology play vital role in the modern life and profoundly influenced the course of human civilization. Technological advancement in the modern life has provided us lots of remarkable insights all over the world. Scientific revolution has taken its full speed from the 20th century and has become more advance in the 21st century. We have entered to the new century in new ways and with all the arrangements for wellbeing of the people. Modern culture and civilization have become dependent over the science and technologies as they have become integral part of life according to the need and requirement of the people.

The investments in research and development become increasingly decisive for the success of a nation. Innovations are introduced fast and intensively to the markets. The systems involved with national development gain more and more importance and demand for constant valuation of the role played by the generators of scientific-technological knowledge-research institutions and universities.

In an internationalized world where commercial boundaries are left behind by virtue of multilateral agreements, support for the production of new knowledge. Production of knowledge is a complex and difficult task demanding time and dedication besides well-equipped laboratories and the necessary financial resources for their maintenance. The knowledge to be produced should be aimed to meet the needs of society and improve the life quality of our populations. Thus, a task that has to be part of the agenda and be supported by the national social, scientific, technological and industrial policies, which should be harmoniously engaged in short and long-term strategies for the welfare of the nation.

The development of science and technology requires patience - research in the field of human health can take years to produce results. Besides carrying out the research activities itself, institutions and universities have to observe the rigorous regulations for the approval of products. The improvement of science and technology requires commitment and continuity scientific investigation carried out in public institutions cannot be vulnerable, cannot be subject to changes in the conduct of policies and lack of budgetary commitment. The development of science and technology requires consistency, dedication and seriousness.

We all, scientists and technologists, are responsible for the future of our country. We all should fight for the maintenance and improvement of our scientific and technological institutions for it is their existence that grants the development of products meeting the demands, especially of our neediest people. Private enterprise obviously develops activities aimed at profitable returns. Thus, food products, habitation technologies, public health, sanitation and production of essential drugs for the needy communities are not necessarily among its priorities. The public institutions involved with science and technology have to be aware of their responsibility to act, regulate and legislate, respecting human life.

The Faculty of Science, Mahidol University is providing and cultivating its high-quality standard in basic & applied sciences, such as life science, biomedical sciences, material sciences and other multidisciplinary fields of expertise in both physical and biological sciences. This also was encouraged by Thai Royal Family, especially the late King Rama IX who has made an extraordinary contribution to human development regardless of their status, ethnicity or religion. UNDP therefore, presented the "Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award" in recognition of the global relevance of his call for a sufficiency approach to development, presented by United Nations Development Programme on 26 May 2006.

We live in an age in which the power of science becomes evident every day. A better quality of life, the advancements in medicine and public health have doubtlessly contributed to an increase in the life expectancy. The necessary funding should be from public or private sectors. And therefore, the great dedications of the late King Rama IX of Thailand towards the development of science and technology for a better quality of life become the most important and prestigious support. The national private industry has also to invest in this area. We have to make optimal use of our rich biodiversity and of the knowledge created by the scientists of universities and research institutions. Research and technological development should be a joint effort of universities, research centers and private enterprise.

Without any support, the researchers or every institution cannot proceed or yield the novel products and findings. As I mentioned all above, the contribution of the late King Rama IX on the science and technology will never be a waste and seed the future generation of the community to carry out outstanding and stunning developments towards humankind.

Ms. Yin Yin Mon, Myanmar

Master of Science in Toxicology

Science is the intelligent and practical activity incorporating the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the natural world through observation and experiment. Technology is the way we apply scientific knowledge for practical purposes. It is equally important for a country to be self-sufficient and strong in the field of science and technology for development and make good position at global level and also for people's better quality of life.

Understanding the importance of achieving a higher quality of life for his citizens, the late King Rama IX of Thailand. King Bhumibol improved their lives by establishing a huge number of the Royal Project to expand. knowledge and innovation in diverse areas such as health, welfare and agriculture. The late King Bhumibol was also involved in setting. Up numerous scholarship programs. According to the literature, the King's scholarship fund officially began since. 1965. He was constantly striving to improve the lives of his people especially in rural Thailand. During his reign, he established 3000 education programs geared towards agriculture. health and environment. His focus was to help the poorest and most vulnerable people regardless of ethnicity or religion. Since its inception the scholarship program has expanded significantly. Although, it originally focused on the field of medicine, the program now covers eight fields of study: medicine, science dentistry, law, agriculture, veterinary science, art and, engineering.

The great King outstandingly. ruled Thailand go further in terms of science and technology to improve a better. quality of life especially. for people in agricultural sector which is a major population of the country. Because of his enthusiastic performances. for the development of the country the great King was presented “Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award" by United Nations Development Programme in 2006. In these ways. the late King Rama IX of Thailand served his country throughout his reign to attain better lives for his people by setting rules and supporting several areas of development fields.

Nowadays a lot of achievements are found as a result of development in science and technology. From production of various vaccines to genetically modified crops and tissue culture technique are good examples of achievement from development in science and technology. Moreover, it is believed that scientific discovery and technological innovations in medical science will be able to cure cancer. HIV-ADIS and other life-threatening diseases.

A good leader with excellent rules and guidelines and good followers leads to a developed country and make the country top. Thailand's late King Rama IX made his country. top in the region and improved the quality of life of the citizens. by his rules and supporting in several development fields including Science and Technology:

CONTENT

Introduction Scholarship recipient Assay King Rama IX
Study program Activity Congratulatory remarks
Application procedure Awarding ceremony Message of appreciation
Awarding schedule