Sanam Luang, a vast open field and public square in front of
Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, constitutes the historic centre
of Bangkok, capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand. This is the
traditional setting for celebrating public events such as New Year’s
Day, Thailand’s Constitution Day, and the birthday anniversaries of
Their Majesties the King and Queen. On October 1, 2000 it was also
the site chosen to erect a prominent, albeit provisional, building with
a sign indicating that the Prostheses Foundation of HRH the Princess
Mother was ready and able to provide free prosthetic limbs to poor
and needy amputees.
Inside the building, more than one hundred amputees had already
registered for prostheses that would be ready to be picked up in
six days. Aside from eager amputees, the building was also packed
with prosthetic materials and equipment – sturdy, lightweight and
practical innovations for which the foundation remains justly proud.
Also assembled were a large number of foundation-based doctors,
staff members and volunteer prosthetists from every part of Thailand,
sharing a common purpose: to pool their skills in memory of HRH
the late Princess Mother, founder of the Prostheses Foundation and
its first, honorary president in commemoration of the anniversary of