Since that day in 1950, Her Majesty has been devoted to her husband The King and she has, likewise, given devoted service to the People of Thailand. She has lovingly perfomed her Royal responsibilities or duties and has been an inspiration to the People of the Kingdom.
Naturally interested in the environment, Her Majesty's principal areas of concern have been associated with conservation. Organizations like the Association for the Conservation of Wildlife (ACW) and the Wildlife Fund of Thailand (WFT) have benefited from the Queen's patronage as have many others. Also, as a regular traveller around Thailand, either individually or with her husband The King, Queen Sirikit has been able to identify areas of need. Being aware of depressed areas where many people struggled to make a living off the land (and denuding the land in the process), Her Majesty was a prime mover in "marrying" two needs together assisting the people by helping the land. This was done by actually offering conservation work to needy people and this proved a huge success in terms of putting money into the hands of the less fortunate and restoring the environment. The beautiful Botanical Gardens, named for Queen Sirikit, in Mae Sa Valley (an easy excursion from Chiang Mai City) is a classic example of how the Queen's influence and help has protected, conserved and developed native plant species and provided much needed employment in the process.
As First Lady, Her Majesty empathizes with other Thai women, their needs and capabilities. So another target for Her Majesty's endeavors was to encourage Thai handicrafts traditional to women. Spinning, weaving and dying of cotton (in fact, the Queen personally financed many of the weaving looms and provided "seed" money for support groups and cooperatives) is one example of traditional skills as is basket weaving in its many forms. Anything from fishtraps to matting to decorative baskets and stylish lampshades all from the hands of industrious Thai ladies. And all thanks to the personal encouragement and financial support from Her Majesty, the Queen.
Queen Sirikit is a regular visitor to Chiang Mai as she loves the gardens and flowers at the Phu Ping Royal Palace on Doi Suthep. So if, perchance, you should see Her Majesty's pale primrose Cadillac in motorcade to the Phu Ping Palace, do remember that this Gracious Lady is having her birthday on you will August 12 join with Thailand in offering her good wishes for a very special day. All of the Management, Staff and Writers for "Welcome to " magazine take great pleasure in toasting Her Majesty's health and saying "Your Majesty, Queen Sirikit of Thailand may you have a wonderful, celebratory day on your Happy Birthday"!