Royal Foundation Holds Merit-Making Ceremony for Princess Somsawali
A Thai Buddhist merit-making ceremony honored Princess Somsawali's birthday at the Volunteer Foundation for Mutual Support in Bangkok, with monks offering robes and necessities to aid disaster survivors.
On Monday, July 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., Professor Surakiat Satheirthai, Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board and Executive Director of the Volunteer Foundation for Mutual Support (Phaa) in Hardship under the Thai Red Cross Society, presided over a Buddhist chanting ceremony honoring Her Royal Highness Princess Somsawali, Khun Luang Suddhanarinart, on her birthday. The ceremony took place at the Somkitiyapha Conference Room at the foundation's headquarters in Ratchathewi district, Bangkok, with board members, executives, network partners, and staff in attendance.
Ten Buddhist monks conducted the merit-making ceremony, led by Somdet Phra Mahavirwongse (Suchin Akkachino), assisted by senior monks from Wat Rajbopidit and other major temples in Bangkok. The monks offered alms and distributed robes and daily necessities as merit dedicated to Princess Somsawali.
The Volunteer Foundation for Mutual Support (Phaa) in Hardship is a non-profit charitable organization established at the initiative of Princess Somsawali, who serves as Honorary Chairperson for life. Her Royal Highness Princess Pacharkitiyapha serves as Chair of the Board. The foundation aims to mobilize support from government, private sector, and communities to assist those affected by floods and major disasters. When disasters strike, Princess Somsawali has authorized the foundation to establish "Royal Kitchens" that prepare hot meals and distribute "Royal Relief Bags" to survivors. Whenever possible, the Princess personally visits disaster areas to distribute aid and offer encouragement, demonstrating unwavering compassion regardless of difficult conditions. Even when unable to visit in person, she ensures foundation staff provide swift relief to affected communities. The contents of the relief bags contain only essential daily necessities, carefully selected based on the Princess's concern for disaster survivors, as reflected in her directive that the bags "must never lack what is necessary."
