The Princess Mother’s Charities Fund of Thailand under the royal patronage of HRH Princess Somdet Phra Srinakarindra Boromarajajonani and B.Grimm have hosted the 2021 “The Princess Mother’s 90th Birthday Anniversary Scholarships” award ceremony for nursing students from all around the country. This continues the Princess Mother’s wishes and legacy to support the development of nursing personnel, one of the most crucial professions that greatly contribute to the wellbeing of society and the nation. This is highlighted more than ever as the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic affects the wide public and medical staff, be it doctors or nurses, become the essential front-liners who must take care of patients — and it is with their dedication and sacrifice that all Thais can overcome this global crisis together.
Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm and the Princess Mother’s Charities Fund of Thailand, states, “B.Grimm is proud to support this fund for over 30 years, in order to help nursing students. We see that this line of profession is of aid to the wide public, one that helps people of every age group and sex. It is therefore of utmost importance that the development of nursing personnel is supported as to produce quality and moral nurses that the sick can depend on.”
Throughout all these years, B.Grimm has placed great importance on community service, in order to provide good life opportunities for Thai people. The company has continuously supported various projects and charities, in line with their company vision of “doing business with compassion”, which is what they have adhered to for the past 143 years, in attempts to contribute sustainably for the benefit of people, society and the environment.
Mrs. Puangpetch Boonsai, secretary general of the foundation, says, “The Princess Mother’s Charities Fund of Thailand was founded in 1980. On the occasion of the 90th birthday anniversary of the Princess Mother, the foundation provided scholarships to nursing students at Boromrajonani College of Nursing, Praboromarajchanok Institute, under the Ministry of Public Health called “The Princess Mother’s 90th Birthday Anniversary Scholarships.”
Initially, 5,000 baht was granted per scholarship per year, but the amount later increased to 8,000 baht in 2007. In 2019, the scholarships increased to 10,000 baht per student, throughout their studies from first year until the fourth year. In the past 31 years of granting “The Princess Mother’s 90th Birthday Anniversary Scholarships”, a total of 6,104 scholarships have been conferred. A total of 1,217 nursing students have graduated. This scholarship is not binding, but hopes students become good nurses that are ready to provide assistance to society.”
Ms. Piyachat Praedum, 4th year nursing student from Boromrajonani College of Nursing Napparat Vajira, says, “I would like to thank all supporters and donors for their kindness to us nursing students. I am very proud and honoured to receive The Princess Mother’s 90th Birthday Anniversary Scholarships on this occasion. I will study hard to become a good nurse, so I can contribute for the greater good and take care of patients with my heart, just like the Princess Mother contributed to help the poor and less fortunate. She is a role model to those in the nursing profession, reminding us the importance and value of our role in society.”
In 2021, the foundation and B.Grimm conferred a total of 890 Princess Mother’s 90th Birthday Anniversary Scholarships. This included a total of 690 scholarships granted to the various 30 Boromrajonani College across the country, 60 scholarships to Royal Thai Army Nursing College and another 30 scholarships to Royal Thai Air Force College of Nursing. On top of that, scholarships were also conferred to 8 Border Patrol Police schools, thus bringing this year’s scholarships’ total worth to 9,150,000 baht.
Alongside these scholarships, students also receive training before they work on the field. Third year students from Boromrajonani College whom are recipients of “The Princess Mother’s 90th Birthday Anniversary Scholarships” all attend a Nurse Camp in Bangkok. All this is done to provide a new generation of nurses opportunities to learn about sacrifice and helping the wider society, all in line with the intent and legacy of the Princess Mother to continue developing the country. To date, four batches of students have attended, but all activities have ceased in the past two years due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
