Bangkok: His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen have granted scholarships to the 17th cohort of students of the Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) for the academic year 2025. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen performed the following royal duties: On December 28, 2025, at 5:20 PM, they proceeded to lay wreaths and pay homage to the Monument of King Taksin the Great at Wongwian Yai, Khlong San District, in commemoration of King Taksin the Great Day, 2025. On this occasion, both laid floral wreaths, lit incense, and candles as royal offerings, paying homage to the statue of King Taksin the Great.
According to Thai News Agency, King Taksin the Great was a pivotal figure, born on April 17, 1734, with his original name being "Sin." He was instrumental in restoring independence and unifying the fragmented kingdom. He moved the capital from the destroyed Ayutthaya to Thonburi and was crowned King of Thonburi, reigning for 15 years until his death in 1782. The government commemorates December 28th annually as "King Taksin the Great Day," celebrating his contributions to independence and encouraging Thais to preserve the nation's sovereignty.
Later, at 5:39 PM, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen descended to Dusit Hall, Chitralada Garden, Dusit Palace, to grant an audience to the committee of the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Royal Scholarship Foundation (M.T.S.) and the governors of all provinces. They presented the 17th cohort of Royal Scholarship recipients for the academic year 2025 to receive their scholarships. Outstanding Royal Scholarship recipients from the 14th cohort and outstanding teachers of 2025 also had an audience to receive honorary plaques. The audience included recipients from previous cohorts and those expressing gratitude for the scholarships.
His Majesty the King initiated the Royal Scholarship Program in 2009, funded by his personal contributions and charitable donations, establishing the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Royal Scholarship Foundation. Over 16 years, 2,564 students have benefited, with 1,222 graduates from 10 classes. Of these, 89% are employed in public and private sectors, with 67% returning to their hometowns, contributing to community and national development.
For the 2025 academic year, the Foundation has allocated scholarships to 180 students nationwide in the 17th cohort, and 983 students from cohorts 9 to 16, currently in upper secondary and undergraduate studies. Additionally, 10 outstanding scholarship recipients from the 14th cohort were selected for their academic excellence and volunteer spirit. Furthermore, 8 outstanding teachers received royal recognition for their dedication. For those completing undergraduate studies, 10 were selected for postgraduate scholarships, both domestically and internationally. This initiative reflects an immeasurable act of royal benevolence, granting educational opportunities to Thai youth.