Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post, EPA and AFP
On August 12 this year, Her Majesty the Queen will celebrate her 82nd birthday, and the whole kingdom will celebrate this special occasion. This day also marks National Mother’s Day in Thailand.
This week’s exercise takes a look at Her Majesty’s reign and her tireless efforts in helping to improve the well-being of all Thais.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara in Bangkok on August 12, 1932. She studied at a Catholic convent school called Saint Francis Xavier.
OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE
During her childhood, Her Majesty spent time overseas with her father, who was Thai Ambassador to France, Denmark and the United Kingdom.
Her Majesty continued her studies in Europe, including in Switzerland, where she met His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was also studying there. When the King was injured in a car accident and admitted to hospital, Her Majesty was a frequent visitor.
His Majesty and the Queen were engaged on July 19, 1949, and the royal wedding took place at Pathumwan Palace on April 28, 1950.
COMPASSIONATE CARE
Her Majesty is deeply respected throughout all regions of Thailand. Her Majesty has always been very active in many of her own projects, such as the famed Sai Jai Thai Foundation.
The foundation looks after the families of those who have died in service to their country. Her Majesty’s care and compassion shine through as she has regularly visited wounded soldiers, policemen and civil servants who have served Thailand.
Her Majesty is the President of the Thai Red Cross, which is well known for its great humanitarian work in Thailand. Her Majesty has been active in relief work for numerous refugees from neighbouring countries such as Cambodia and Burma who have sought refuge in Thailand.
KIND SUPPORT
Her Majesty has long been performing a variety of charitable activities and often provides assistance to needy families, especially farmers and unemployed villagers. Her Majesty established the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) to help rural people use their artistic skills and natural resources to produce unique and beautiful local handicrafts.
Exercises
Read the story. Then, answer the following reading comprehension questions.
1. When was Her Majesty the Queen born?
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2. Where did the royal wedding between the King and the Queen take place?
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3. In what country did the King and the Queen meet?
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4. What does SUPPORT stand for?
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Vocabulary
- compassion (n): a strong feeling of sympathy for people who are suffering and a desire to help them
humanitarian (adj): concerned with reducing suffering and improving the conditions that people live in
refuge (n): shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.
needy (adj): not having enough money, food, clothes, etc.
