The King who gave birth to the Thai Red Cross
In Year 112 of the Rattanakosin Era (1893), a territorial dispute between France and Siam over land on the left bank of the Mekhong River resulted in many casualties on both sides. Because there was no charitable organization to help alleviate their suffering, Thanpuying Plien Pasakornravongs gathered together a group of female volunteers and proposed to Queen Sawang Wadhana that His Majesty the King’s permission be sought to set up “The Red Unalom Society of Siam,” the purpose of which was to help relieve the suffering of injured soldiers. His Majesty King Chulalongkorn’s response to the proposal was favorable. He offered his support and allowed for funds totaling 443,716 baht, an enormous sum at the time, to be collected. His Majesty the King also appointed Queen Sawang Wadhana as “the mother of the Society”, Queen Saovabha Bhongsri as “the Society’s President”, and Thanpuying Plien Pasakornravongs as “the Society’s Secretary”.
The 7 Fundamental Principles
Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
Independence
The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
Voluntary service
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
