Royal Initiative Project of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn possesses profound knowledge and deep interest in many fields of science and knowledge. She has initiated numerous Royal Initiative Projects for the benefit and well-being of her people. These projects vary in nature; some are integrated projects, while others have specific characteristics.
The development of science and technology is one of the Royal Initiative Projects by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. It is considered a leading project that has been continued by the Thai government and various state agencies to achieve sustainable national development. Her Royal Highness has a keen interest in astronomy, one of the oldest sciences in the world. She recognizes that the vast, star-studded sky can spark imagination and capture the interest of people, both young and old. Therefore, she has proposed that astronomy could be a tool to guide the nation’s society towards becoming a learning society.
When the Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Astronomical Research Institute in 2008, Her Royal Highness graciously endorsed two of the institute’s projects as Royal Initiative Projects. These projects are:
The National Observatory Project:
This project was established to commemorate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday. Her Royal Highness bestowed the name "Chaloem Phra Kiat 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary Observatory" upon the National Observatory.
2. The Regional Observatories for the Public Project:
Her Royal Highness initiated and named each regional observatory for the public "Chaloem Phra Kiat 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary Observatory," followed by the name of the province. These include:
Regional Observatory for the Public, Nakhon Ratchasima
Regional Observatory for the Public, Chachoengsao
Regional Observatory for the Public, Songkhla
Regional Observatory for the Public, Khon Kaen
Regional Observatory for the Public, Phitsanulok
In addition, Her Royal Highness has initiated collaborations with astronomical organizations in friendly countries, such as the Yunnan Observatory, Gaomeigu Observatory, Jiangmen Neutrino Observatory in the People's Republic of China, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute in South Korea, Paranal Observatory, and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, among others.
Her Royal Highness's far-reaching vision, as demonstrated by these royal initiatives, significantly contributes to advancing the country's status as a leader in astronomy and astrophysics.