Home > News > Do you Know? > Historical anecdotes related to Her Royal Highness Princess Sai Savali Bhirom, Krom Phra Sutthasininat Piyamaharajpadiwarada, the founder of the children's home and the foundation of Thailand's Department of Public Welfare (Part 5/7).
Historical anecdotes related to Her Royal Highness Princess Sai Savali Bhirom, Krom Phra Sutthasininat Piyamaharajpadiwarada, the founder of the children's home and the foundation of Thailand's Department of Public Welfare (Part 5/7).

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21 July 2026 12:22:14

The significant contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Sai Savali Bhirom, Krom Phra Sutthasininat Piyamaharajpadiwarada, to Thai society, particularly for homeless and orphaned children, included her pioneering establishment of the first children's home in Thailand in 1890. Located in Suan Mali, it was named "Princess Sai Savali Bhirom's Children's Home" by King Chulalongkorn. The home provided assistance to orphaned and impoverished children, equipping them with good conduct and skills for future employment. She cared for boys and girls from birth until the age of 11 for girls and 13 for boys. These children received excellent care, including food, clothing, medical care, and lodging, free of charge for their guardians. Once they reached a suitable age for employment, the children were returned to their guardians. This undertaking forms the foundation of the modern-day Department of Public Welfare.

Regarding the training in manners and the qualities of a refined lady, Her Royal Highness Princess Sai Savali Bhirom taught and encouraged others to take an interest in these aspects. And she diligently trained them in the skills and qualities of a lady, strictly adhering to rules and regulations and meticulous in etiquette. She provided them with education in various subjects and crafts, along with moral training befitting a true lady.

It became renowned in that era that daughters who entered the household of Princess Vimada were trained to be fully equipped with the qualities of a lady. For this reason, many members of the royal family, high-ranking officials, and those of noble birth at that time preferred to send their daughters to be nurtured and supported by her. Even high-ranking members of the royal family, such as His Royal Highness Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, sent two of his daughters to be cared for and educated by Princess Vimada.

As for Princess Uthongkhetkhatiya Nari, although she did not attend school... Although the King did not favor his daughters studying outside the Grand Palace, he sought out both Thai and foreign tutors to educate all of them. Each of them was familiar with foreign languages and possessed a high level of proficiency in the Thai language. Several princesses served as royal secretaries to King Chulalongkorn. During his last trip to Europe, he consistently sent letters to Princess Uthong, which were compiled into two large books titled "Far from Home," a valuable work of study. Princess Uthong was very diligent and encouraged her children to read and engage in handicrafts, keeping them engaged. She also taught them to read Pali correctly. She was deeply interested in education; some of her ladies-in-waiting were sent to study nursing.

Furthermore, she established a primary school within the grounds of Princess Malinee Nopadara's residence. This school, named "Niphakar School," provided education to her ladies-in-waiting, following the same principles as a children's home. Parents did not have to pay for tuition, food, school supplies, etc. She taught until the first graduating class of secondary school. She was also very strict about Thai language studies, especially the pronunciation of the letters “r” and “l,” consonant clusters, and the correct use of conjunctions and prepositions. For English, she hired a half-Western woman named Miss Archer. After Miss Archer married and went abroad, she hired a native English speaker, Miss Pope. Upon reaching the sixth grade, she selected bright students to take an entrance exam at Saipanya School. If they passed, she would give them pins as prizes.

In the evening, she would have all the young ladies-in-waiting line up in front of her to chant Sarabhanja prayers. She would sit on a stool while the ladies-in-waiting stood in orderly lines facing her. This was a method of nurturing their minds by introducing them to Buddhism and teaching them correct Thai pronunciation.

Her Royal Highness was very strict about verbal discipline. As for himself, there is no record of him ever mocking or deceiving anyone, never being sarcastic, never spouting nonsensical or vulgar language. He firmly adhered to the Ten Precepts of Conduct. He was also very strict about the use of language by others. For example, speaking about things that were numerous or countless, or talking excessively, was forbidden. At that time, Chulalongkorn Hospital had already been established. If he heard anyone simply refer to it as "Chulalongkorn Hospital," he would be immediately indignant. Everyone had to say "Chulalongkorn Hospital." When asked about any place, the full name of the location had to be given.