HRH Princess Galyani Passes Away

[george]

HRH Princess Galyani passes away

BANGKOK: -- Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana passed away Wednesday morning, the Royal Household Bureau announced.

The bureau announced the Princess passed away at the Siriraj Hospital at 2:54 am.

-- The Nation 2008-01-02

Nation to mourn 15 days for Princess' death

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister's Office announced Wednesday that officials of government agencies and state enterprises dress in black for 15 days to mourn the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana who passed away early today of abdominal cancer.

It also ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast nationwide for 15 days starting Wednesday.

PM's Office permanent secretary Chulayuth Hiranyawasit said his office will report to the cabinet the bathing rites of Her Majesty soon.

His Majesty the King has given royal permission for the general public to participate in the rites to be conducted before Her Majesty's portrait at the Sahathaisamagom Hall of the Grand Palace on Wednesday afternoon.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-01-02

[george]

Death of His Majesty the King's elder sister: the passing of a person, and an era

BANGKOK: -- Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, eldest sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died early Wednesday, her death denoting not only the passing of a royal person who has contributed good to many during a long and fruitful life, but focuses the thoughts of many Thais on Buddhist concepts of impermanence.

According to the Royal Household Bureau's 39th statement, even though all possible care had been given by the team of Royal Physicians, Princess Galyani's condition gradually declined and she succumbed at 2:54 am on the morning of Wednesday January 2.

As a princess who was born and educated abroad, she was first of all older sister to her two younger brothers, Ananda Mahidol and Bhumiphol Adulyadej, both of whom became kings, and witnessed and reflected upon much of Thailand's history in the 20th century.

Princess Galyani's passing bears witness to the passing of an era, focusing the thoughts and prayers of the Thai people on His Majesty the King and the future of the kingdom.

Her overall condition had worsened Tuesday with increasingly laboured breathing and failing kidney functions, according to the Royal Household Bureau's 38th statement issued late in the day.

In addition to treatment for renal failure, the 84-year-old princess had been receiving treatment for abdominal cancer at Siriraj Hospital since June 15, 2007.

His Majesty the King, accompanied by his son HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Consort and their son, visited the princess at hospital about 6pm Monday.

In his New Year address broadcast Monday night, the king thanked well-wishers who showed their heart-felt concern for his elder sister. People of all walks of life turned up at hospital to sign books wishing the princess well.

By Royal Command of His Majesty the King, the Bureau of the Royal Household is responsible for the Royal Rites in accordance with royal tradition and the Lying in State will be at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall of the Grand Palace.

By Royal Command the Court will be in mourning for 100 days.

His Majesty the King has given Royal Permission for the general public to participate in bahting rites to be conducted before a portrait of the princess at the Sahathaisamagom Hall of the Grand Palace between 1 pm to 4 pm Wednesday afternoon.

HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana was born on May 6, 1923 in London. Graduating in science and chemistry, she was knowledgeable in the arts, languages, and history, and taught French language, literature and history and Chulalongkorn and Thammasat universities.

While dedicated to teaching and the arts, Princess Galyani considered it important to continue the work begun by her mother, the Princess Mother, in supporting the activities of the Foundation of Voluntary Doctors under Royal Patronage of HRH the Princess Mother.

Alleviating pain and suffering of ordinary folk who are suffering illness, especially those who could not afford normally available medical services, is a special concern of the voluntary doctors. The doctors particularly try to reach people in Thailand's more remote areas.

The princess was heavily involved in projects under her royal patronage, especially traditional Thai arts, education, sports and social welfare. She was president and honorary president of organisations and foundations as diverse as the Cardiac Children's Foundation, the Princess Mother's Charity Fund and the Autistic Foundation of Thailand.

She created her own foundation for funding the studies of gifted young musicians, and she is the Royal Patron of the Bangkok Opera.

Princess Galyani also traveled widely within Thailand and overseas to represent the royal family and her country on missions and was a focus of affection of the Thai people.

--TNA 2008-01-02

[george]

The sister of two kings

It is already difficult to be a sister of a king but Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana was the sister of two Kings of Thailand.

Her Royal Highness was born Her Serene Highness Mom Chao Galyani Vadhana on 6 May 1923 in London, the eldest child of HRH the Prince of Songkla and the Princess Mother Sri Nagarindra.

She was the elder sister of HM King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) and HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).

In 1927, she was elevated to Her Highness (Pra Vorawongse Ther Pra Ong Chao) by HM King Prajadhipok (Rama VII).

In 1935, the princess was elevated to Her Royal Highness after her brother ascended the Throne as King Rama VIII. Her Royal Title was Somdetch Pra Chao Pi Nang Ther Chao Fa which translates as "the princess who is the King's elder sister."

In 1995, in the year of the Princess' 6th Cycle birthday, HM King Bhumibol bestowed on her the title of the Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, a traditional Siamese customs dating back to the Ayudhaya period, and not seen for decades.

She thus became the Princess of Naradhiwas since. She was the first and only lady in the Rama IX reign to receive the position.

The Princess of Naradhiwas married Col. Aram Ratanakul Serireungriddhi in 1944 and had to relinguish her Royal title upon marriage to a commoner.

After her divorce, she worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Thai people, and HM the King restored her Royal title in 1950. In 1969, the princess married His Highness Prince Varananda Dhavaj, son of His Royal Highness Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok, Prince of Bejraburna.

The princess had one daughter, Thanpuying Dasna Valaya Sorasongkram, from her first marriage and one grandson, Jidas Sornsongkram - a son of Thanpuying Dasna.

--The Nation 2008-01-02

Her full biography could be found here (Thai language):

http://www.hrh84yrs.org/

[george]

Sister of Thai King Dies

BANGKOK: -- Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died Wednesday, the royal palace announced. She was 84 years old.

Galyani's passing came after the 80-year-old king himself recovered from the symptoms of a stroke after being hospitalized for three weeks in October. Both were treated at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital.

Galyani had been hospitalized since June, after doctors found she had abdominal cancer.

The princess was noted for her interest in the arts, especially theater and classical music, a taste cultivated when she, like the king, was educated in Switzerland, where she spent much time until later life.

She spoke five languages, and loved to travel, documenting many of her journeys in books. She was the oldest child of Prince Mahidol — a son of King Chulalongkorn — and his commoner wife, Sangwal.

Galyani married Col. Aram Ratanakul Serireungriddhi, a royal aide but a commoner, in 1944, which meant she had to give up the royal title she was awarded in 1935. The couple had a daughter but were divorced in 1949. The royal title was restored by Bhumibol in 1950, after the divorce.

She married again in 1969 to Prince Varananda Dhavaj, a professional pilot, who died in 1990.

A lifelong Francophile, she founded the Association of Teachers of French in Thailand, which she headed in 1977-81.

She also took up an intensive schedule of charity work, which is a mainstay of royal responsibility. She was a patron of at least five health-related foundations.

Galyani is survived by her daughter from her first marriage and a grandson.

--AP 2008-01-02

[seonai]

I am deeply, deeply sorry about this and send utmost respect to the Royal family on this loss of a wonderful woman and Princess

[A. BOOZER]

Sincere condolences to the Royal Family.

I am sure that the Thai Nation, as a whole, will feel much grief at the passing of the Princess.

[Who, me ?]

Very sad new indeed

Sincere Condolences to the Royal Family, and to all Thai people.

[Scott]

My condolences to the Royal family.

[parmi]

My condolences go out to the Royal Family,

The thai people have lost a wonderful Princess and a great humanitarian.

She will be remembered by so many for doing so much.

Our thoughts go out to HRH the KING on this sad day.

LONG LIVE THE KING.

[jayjayjayjay]

Rest in Peace, condolences to His Majesty the King and family for there loss.

Thank you from my family for the many years of commitment made by Princess Galyani Vadhana to creating peace and prosperity for the Thai people.

Edited January 2, 2008 by jayjayjayjay

[ratcatcher]

I would like to add my sincere condolences to His Majesty and the Royal Family at this sad time.

She was a wonderful lady and will be deeply missed by all Thai people.

I pray His Majesty can be strong at this time of loss.

[mogoso]

It's always a great sadness when someone with so much goodness passes away.

Our sincere condolences and our thoughts go to the KIng and his family, and the people of Thailand, who have lost a family member and a champion. She will be missed, but not forgotten as she lives within our hearts.

[Artisi]

A sad day for Thailand and a loss to humanity.

[Big A]

A very sad day indeed. Condolences to the Royal Family. Long live the king!!

[Xangsamhua]

Princess Galyani Vadhana was a very gracious lady. We'll miss her. My wife and I extend our sincere condolences to HM the King and the Royal Family at this time.

[sriracha john]

An expression of our own feelings...

Thai woman cries, holding a picture of Princess Galyani Vadhana at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok on Wednesday Jan. 2, 2008. Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died Wednesday, the royal palace announced. She was 84 years old.

Associated Press

[HobbsTheFerociousTiger]

What a sad start to the New Year. Offering heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, and lots of strength in this difficult time.

[Thaising]

My deepest sympathy to the Royal Family and sincere condolences to HM the King.

[SiriusBlack1]

Deepest condolences to His Majesty and to the Thai people on this sad day. A tragic loss for Thailand.

[DLock]

I am truly saddened by the passing of Princess Galyani and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.

She will be remembered fondly and proudly by all Thai people.

Long Live the King.

[Wolfie]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7167377.stm

The elder sister of Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej has died of abdominal cancer at the age of 84.

Princess Galyani Vadhana died early on Wednesday morning in the Bangkok hospital where she had been receiving treatment since June last year.

An academic specialising in French literature, the princess was involved in health, education and arts projects.

Her funeral will be held at the Grand Palace and a 100-day mourning period has been declared.

Hundreds of Thais assembled at the hospital after the announcement, many of them wearing black.

"This is a great loss for me and the country," mourner Banchong Rodgan told Reuters news agency.

Uncertainty

A mourner outside the hospital in Bangkok on 2 January 2008

Mourners assembled outside the hospital where the princess died

Local media had provided regular updates as the princess' condition worsened, and King Bhumibol had visited his sister on an almost daily basis.

In October, the 80-year-old monarch was admitted to the same hospital as his sister for three weeks after suffering from inadequate blood flow to the brain.

This triggered acute public concern - the much-loved king is viewed as a key source of national unity amid ongoing political uncertainty.

Princess Galyani's death brought a temporary halt to negotiations between political parties in the wake of last month's general election - the first since the military coup in September 2006.

My Deepest Condolences to the Royal house-hold in this difficult time

[Nienke]

My deepest condolences to His Majesty The King, His Royal Family and to the Thai people.

A very sad day indeed.

Nienke

[plachon]

Yes, sincere condolences from myself and wife to the Royal Family and the Thai people at this sad time. Princess Galyani was not the highest profile member of the Royal Family, but just seemed to get quietly on with doing good work and deeds of benefit to the nation. A source of inspiration and good example to all.

[Kan Win]

Yes, very sad new indeed.

Had a chance in 1991 to see The Princess.

Sincere Condolences to the Royal Family, and to all Thai people.

Long Live the King of Thailand.

Ratchanee and Win

[BigSnake]

RIP to a wonderful lady.

[george]

The only female "Krom" of the King Rama IX Reign

BANGKOK: -- Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana is the only female member of the Chakri Royal Family in the reign of King Rama IX to have been given the noble title "Krom".

His Majesty King Bhumibol gave Her Royal Highness the title "Somdet Phra Chao Phee Nang Ther Chao Fa Galyani Vadhana Krommaluang Narathiwat Rajanagarindra" to celebrate Her Royal Highness's sixth cycle (72nd) birthday anniversary on May 6, 1995.

Noble titles given to members of the Royal Family are categorised into birth titles and appointed titles. The highest birth title is Chao Fa, followed by Phra Ong Chao, Mom Chao, Mom Rajawongse and Mom Luang. Appointed titles are given by the King. Royal family members with lower birth titles may be promoted to higher titles, such as from Mom Chao to Phra Ong Chao or from Phra Ong Chao to Chao Tang Krom.

The title Chao Tang Krom first appeared in Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Narai and was categorised into four ranks: Krommaphra, Krommaluang, Krommakhun and Krommamuen. Krommaphra was the title for the Royal Mother and the Crown Prince, Krommaluang was for consorts or respected princesses, Krommakhun wasfor the Crown Prince and Krommamuen was for princes and princesses lower in rank than the Crown Prince.

In the Ratanakosin period, the title "Chao Tang Krom" was categorised into five ranks: Krom Phraya or Krom Somdet Phra was for the most respected princes and princesses; Krommaphra for the Royal Mother, respected elder princes and princesses; Krommaluang for elder princes and princesses; Krommakhun for young princes and princesses; and Krommamuen for Phra Ong Chao or the princes and princesses lower than Chao Fa.

In the Ayutthaya period, the title "Krom" was given to honour princes and princesses who worked well and merited a cadre to assist them under their supervision in the form of a unit or "Krom".

Since the reign of King Rama V, after the abolition of slavery in 1905 when ordinary people were no longer forced to work for the royal court, "Krom" has been an honorary title only. King Rama V gave his children the title "Krom" with the name of provinces in Thailand.

During the present reign, in 1950 and 1952, five princes were given the title "Krom".

On May 8, 1950, Phra Worawongther Phra Ong Chao Dhaninivat was appointed Phra Worawongther Krommamuen Bidyalabh Bridhyakorn.

On May 5, 1952, Phra Chao Worawongther Phra Ong Chao Chumbhotbongse Boripatra was appointed Phra Chao Worawongther Krommamuen Nakhonsawansakdipinit; Phra Chao Worawongther Phra Ong Chao Wan Waithayakon was appointed Phra Chao Worawongther Krommamuen Naradhip Bongprabandh; Phra Worawongther Phra Ong Chao Alongkot was appointed Phra Worawongther Krommamuen Adisorn Udomsak; and Phra Worawongther Phra Ong Chao Nakkhatra Mangkala was appointed Phra Worawongther Krommamuen Chanthaburi Suranath.

The next person to receive the title was Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana in May 1995.

--The Nation 2008-01-03

[george]

Political split forgotten as Thais unite to mourn guiding light to nation

Politically divided Thais set aside everything yesterday to mourn HRH the beloved Princess Galyani Vadhana.

BANGKOK: -- It was a sharp transition from a polarised split among voters as everyone united in sorrow to pay tribute to a woman considered a guiding light to the nation and a great pillar of strength for the Royal Family.

People wore black everywhere. Politicians from warring parties suspended their activities to express deep sadness in her passing.

The private sector willingly cancelled many high-profile events to mark her departure.

All TV channels aired special programmes about the Princess, who had been receiving treatment at Siriraj Hospital since June 15 last year.

As the Princess's body was moved to the Grand Palace, many mourners were seen crying uncontrollably as they stood still or knelt, with their hands making a wai, along the route from the hospital to the palace.

"I feel sorrow about the Princess and for His Majesty. If giving my life was able to save her, I would gladly make the sacrifice," said 60-year-old Lamduan, who left her hometown in Chiang Rai to spend two months in Bangkok to give support to the ailing princess.

His Majesty, who was regularly at the side of his sister over the past two months, later granted permission for the public to take part in the bathing rites at Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion at the Grand Palace.

Conducted before a portrait of the Princess, the rites were held from 1pm to 5pm with thousands of people queuing to pay their respects.

At around 5pm, Their Majesties the King and Queen performed the final rites for the Princess at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace.

His Majesty appeared greatly saddened while Her Majesty's eyes were filled with tears.

The Princess' body was placed under a white five-tier Umbrella of Kingship, with full royal colours. Her body will be kept there for 100 days, so Buddhist prayers will be held both during day and night during this period.

Royal Family members, court officials and Cabinet members will wear black for 100 days too.

The government has formed a national committee to take charge of the Princess's funeral, led by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont with Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda as adviser.

Civil servants and politicians have now been instructed to wear black for 15 days.

National flags will fly at half mast at all state agencies and Thai embassies, as celebratory events and other functions are cancelled.

Night entertainment venues have been asked not to operate during the 15-day period.

In Nakhon Sawan, 17-year-old Nattawan Marksornthong attended a public bathing rite for the Princess. "I've seen that she worked really hard for the Thai people. I love her so much," Nattawan said. "I'm so sad that she is gone."

Nursing student Raweewan Trinet, 17, was grief-stricken, as were all her classmates when they arrived to pay respects.

In the central province of Angthong, 67-year-old Tawee Rojbua said she would make merit in the morning for the Princess.

"Upon hearing she had passed away, I just wept," she said.

In Chachoengsao, 21-year-old Saowanee Treewattananont said the news came as a shock. "She has always been so kind and gracious," she said, "She will be fondly remembered by all."

Public members can pay their respects by signing a condolence book at Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion from today until next Wednesday, from 9am to 5pm.

--The Nation 2008-01-03

[george]

Doctors ensured she went peacefully

BANGKOK: -- Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana died at 2.54am yesterday at the age of 84, many months after being admitted to Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital, the Royal Household Bureau said.

The Princess passed away peacefully, said Dr Teerawat Kulthanan, dean of Mahidol University's Faculty of Medicine.

"Their Majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family had visited the Princess. She went peacefully," he said.

A team of doctors, from all branches of medicine, did their utmost to treat her and minimise her suffering.

Princess Galayani was admitted on June 15 after developing abdominal discomfort. Doctors detected cancer cells and put her under treatment.

Since October 25, the Royal Household Bureau had regularly released statements informing the public about her condition as she underwent treatment.

The King and other Royal Family members regularly visited her.

Every day crowds would gather at Siriraj Centennial Pavilion in the hospital to sign a reception book to wish her a speedy recovery.

During the months of treatment, her condition was sometimes stable while at other times there were wide fluctuations.

On October 25, she had problems with the right side of her body and scans found some parts of her brain were dysfunctional because of blood clots.

Three days later, the Princess developed numbness on her right side and a computerised X-ray examination showed an extensive area of infection on the left side of her brain,

On November 2, she became more conscious and was able to take more food. Her blood pressure was normal as doctors prescribed treatment and physical therapy

Throughout November, the Princess's condition was improving and became more stable.

Sometimes she was able to move her right arm, sitting up in bed for longer periods, and she could occasionally sit in a wheelchair.

However, she was still on medication, tube-fed with food supplements and undergoing physical therapy.

Her condition worsened in December.

In a statement on December 12, the Royal Household Bureau said she was tired, felt some discomfort in her abdomen and had a fever.

Though her condition improved a few days later, doctors on December 23 found her level of consciousness had not recovered. They continued to closely monitor her situation.

On December 24, the bureau issued its 30th statement saying she had no fever and had not suffered muscular convulsions. But her stamina and awareness levels had not improved, it added.

Doctors continued to provide medication for convulsions, administering nutritional supplements intravenously, closely observing her respiration.

The Princess was weaker on New Year's Eve. The bureau's statement that day said she had become more tired and had difficulty breathing.

Doctors also administered antibiotics to treat an infection in her blood system.

-- The Nation 2008-01-03

[seonai]

There is a beautiful set of pictures of her from childhood up and the story of her life here

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=124819

[geriatrickid]

Her Royal Highness leaves quite a legacy. If one thinks about her accomplishments in an era when women were not well educated let alone encouraged to pursue sciences, her life is even more remarkable. One need only look at the King's own daughter and the princess' academic excellence in languages to see the influence that Her Royal Highness, with her own fluency of 5 languages provided. It's the kind of positive example young girls need to be shown more often.

We are seeing a passing of the generation that believed in duty and the concept of noblesse oblige without making a big thing out of those acts. Few people knew of her her gestures such as the funding of the veterinary school or kindness to animals because she did things in a quiet manner. And for the romantics out there, the fact that she gave up her titles for love speaks to the fact that even though she may have been a super achiever her heart was not put aside. All in all, a rather amazing life given to serving the people.