Chulalongkorn University Honors Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s Attendance During the Commencement Ceremony 

Throughout the years, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother’s kindness toward Chulalongkorn University has been immeasurable. She graciously carried out numerous royal tasks on various occasions, particularly in the field of education in the annual commencement ceremonies to confer degrees upon Chulalongkorn University graduates. 

Since the degree conferment ceremony for the academic year 1949, held on Sunday, May 21, 1950, at the Chulalongkorn University Auditorium, marking the first commencement ceremony of the reign of King Rama IX, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej presided over the ceremony each year, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, to confer degrees upon the graduates of Chulalongkorn University. 

One of the most memorable moments in Chulalongkorn University’s commencement history—deeply cherished by the Chula community and the Thai people—is when Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graduated from Chulalongkorn University and received her Bachelor of Arts with First-Class Honors and a Gold Medal award on Thursday, July 14, 1977. On that day, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother also had a photograph taken with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University. 

In 1995, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great was taken ill with a heart condition, and the medical team advised that His Majesty reduce his work schedule. That year, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother graciously presided over the commencement ceremonies on behalf of His Majesty, conferring degrees upon graduates of Chulalongkorn University for the 1994 academic year from July 13–15, 1995. She was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. 

On this occasion, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother graciously delivered the following address:  

“…Knowledge may be regarded as something that elevates and distinguishes a person, for it enables one to achieve success and earn honor and recognition. I ask all of you who have just completed your studies to use your knowledge to help advance our nation—enriching it with progress, culture, and ethical values. You are all still young, full of physical and mental vigor, enthusiasm, and goodwill toward the country. Soon you will go your separate ways to work in various sectors, both public and private, across all regions. If you all join in supporting and uplifting the nation, I believe that in the future our country will enjoy even greater happiness and prosperity…” 

In addition, Chulalongkorn University has presented Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, with honorary doctoral degrees in various fields, as follows: 

• Honorary Doctorate of Political Science, Academic Year 1960 
  Conferred on Thursday, August 3, 1961 
  In recognition of Her Majesty’s role as Regent during the period when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was ordained as a monk. In this capacity, Her Majesty carried out the immense royal responsibilities with exceptional wisdom, undertaking royal visits abroad to strengthen international relations, which contributed significantly to the success of the nation’s public administration and foreign policy. 

• Honorary Doctorate of Industrial Design, Academic Year 1983 
  Conferred on Thursday, July 19, 1984 
  In recognition of Her Majesty’s efforts to revive traditional Thai arts and crafts. Her Majesty recognized the value of local wisdom and the craftsmanship of rural artisans—skills that were at risk of disappearing—and spearheaded an approach to sustainable development that blended Thai aesthetics with modern design concepts. Her Majesty initiated the establishment of Royal Craft Promotion Centers across various regions, providing opportunities for the public, particularly farmers and women in rural areas, to earn a living and achieve self-reliance through the creation of exquisite handicrafts. 

• Honorary Doctorate of Fine and Applied Arts, Academic Year 1990 
  Conferred on Thursday, August 1, 1991 
  In recognition of Her Majesty’s dedication to preserving, revitalizing, and developing Thai arts and crafts as a lasting national heritage. Her Majesty restored traditional local crafts that were on the verge of disappearing, enabling people to earn a livelihood while passing on Thailand’s artistic and cultural heritage. She established the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother (SUPPORT Foundation) as a central body to conserve and advance Thai handicrafts in accordance with her initiatives. Her efforts revived traditional craftsmanship and helped to ensure Thai arts gain recognition and admiration both locally and internationally. 

• Honorary Doctorate of Education, Academic Year 1991 
  Conferred on Thursday, July 9, 1992 
  In recognition of Her Majesty’s role as a “teacher of the nation,” exemplified by her compassion, wisdom, and tireless efforts to support education for people from all walks of life. Her Majesty was devoted to expanding knowledge among the public, especially in remote rural areas. She personally taught children and villagers, encouraging literacy as the crucial foundation for improving quality of life and strengthening local wisdom. With her insight and deep commitment to education, she integrated learning into daily life through various royal projects, such as the “Pa Rak Nam” project, which taught communities to use natural resources sustainably. 

• Honorary Doctorate of Nursing Science, Academic Year 1992 
  Conferred on Thursday, July 8, 1993 
  In recognition of Her Majesty’s comprehensive and continuous contributions to public health, including health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Her Majesty consistently followed up on each stage of care and served as a model for problem-solving and improving the well-being of the people. Her dedication to public health has also been acknowledged through prestigious international awards and academic honors. 

• Honorary Doctorate of Laws, Academic Year 1997 
  Conferred on Thursday, July 16, 1998 
  In recognition of Her Majesty’s profound wisdom and contributions to Thailand in the fields of law, humanitarian work, and social development. Her Majesty fulfilled the constitutional duties of Regent with diligence and deep insight, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding national stability. She established the Thai Red Cross Center at Khao Lan, Trat Province, as a non-political refuge for displaced persons. Her Majesty has also set an important example in promoting respect for the law and good citizenship among the Thai people. 

• Honorary Doctorate of Science and Honorary Doctorate of Arts, Academic Year 2003 
  Conferred on Thursday, July 8, 2004 
  Chulalongkorn University presented two of its highest honorary degrees to Her Majesty on the auspicious occasion of her 72nd Birthday Anniversary on August 12, 2004, in recognition of her wide-ranging expertise in both the sciences and the humanities. 

In the field of science: 

Her Majesty initiated the “Pa Rak Nam” (Forest Loves Water) Project to instill public awareness of forest conservation and ecological balance, resulting in a tangible increase in Thailand’s forested areas. She advanced the idea that humans can live in harmony with forests by encouraging communities to participate in reforestation, animal husbandry, and sustainable natural resource management. Her Majesty also supported the restoration of marine resources to preserve biodiversity and enhance livelihoods for coastal fisheries. She laid the foundation for a science-for-life approach that integrates environmental conservation with the development of food sources and medicinal plants for communities.  

In the field of arts: 

Her Majesty applied knowledge and creativity to improve the lives of the people and to strengthen the nation’s cultural identity. Through the SUPPORT Foundation, she revitalized traditional Thai crafts, bringing them back into prominence both nationally and internationally. This not only generated income and dignity for local artisans but also encouraged refinement, appreciation for beauty, and pride in Thai cultural heritage. Her Majesty further promoted performing arts, film, and historical drama to nurture patriotism and unity among the Thai people. 

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