BANGKOK, Thailand – UNESCO has officially recognized two major Thai commemorations under its 2026–2027 Anniversaries Celebration Programme, marking the centennial milestones of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Her Majesty Queen Rambhai Barni. The decision was made at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference on November 13, 2025, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
UNESCO’s announcement highlights the enduring global impact of His Majesty the Late King’s contributions, particularly his visionary “Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy,” which has become an internationally respected framework for sustainable development. His Majesty initiated more than 4,000 royal development projects covering water resource management, agriculture, environmental conservation, and community upliftment. These lifelong efforts earned him global admiration and the title “The Developer King.”
The second commemoration marks 100 years of Her Majesty Queen Rambhai Barni’s contributions to education, social development, and gender equality. She played a pivotal role in advancing women’s education, supporting the establishment of schools, and promoting cultural, artistic, and charitable initiatives to improve people’s quality of life, especially during national crises. Her legacy is recognized for laying the groundwork for Thailand’s advancement in gender equality, which closely aligns with UNESCO’s mission to promote women’s empowerment globally.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education Suthep Kaengsanthia led the Thai delegation to the UNESCO conference on behalf of Minister of Education Narumon Pinyosinwat, who chairs the UNESCO National Commission of Thailand. He expressed Thailand’s profound pride in the international recognition, noting that the decision affirms the extraordinary legacies of both Their Majesties, who devoted their lives to the welfare of the Thai people and the advancement of humanity.
He added that the UNESCO acknowledgment not only pays the highest tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Rambhai Barni but also reflects the world’s appreciation for their unwavering dedication to education, equality, peace, and sustainable development. This acknowledgment is a source of tremendous national pride and motivates future generations to pursue their vision for human well-being. (NNT)
