The Prime Minister presided over the chanting of Buddhist prayers and the almsgiving merit-making ceremony to honor Queen Ramphai Phanni, Queen Consort of King Rama VII, on the occasion of the centennial commemoration of her royal contributions at the International Buddhist Temple in Paris.
On 23 May 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, chaired the Buddhist chanting and almsgiving merit-making ceremony held to celebrate Queen Ramphai Phanni, Queen Consort of King Rama VII, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary honoring her royal contributions at the International Buddhist Temple in Paris, France. Attending were Mrs. Thananon Charnvirakul, Chairwoman of the Ministers' Spouses Committee and Honorary Advisor of the Ministry of Interior Housewives Association; Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture; Traisuli Traisornkul, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister; Atthit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Praphop Riangngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture; Yuthika Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion; and Nikorn Dej Plangkur, Ambassador to France, along with embassy officials and Thai residents in Paris, France.
The organizing committee for the centennial celebration of Queen Ramphai Phanni, Queen Consort of King Rama VII, approved activities nationwide and abroad to honor her royal contributions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked to instruct Thai embassies and consulates worldwide to organize events enabling Thai people and all sectors to collectively express loyalty and remembrance of Her Majesty’s graciousness.
Queen Ramphai Phanni, Queen Consort of King Rama VII, was born on Tuesday, 20 December 1904 (B.E. 2447). She was the daughter of Prince Svasti Sobhana, Prince of Svastivatana, and Princess Araphanni. She married King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) when he held the title Prince Prajadhipok Sakdidej, Prince of Sukhothai, and was crowned Queen Ramphai Phanni, Queen Consort of King Rama VII, during his coronation. She reigned as queen until her passing on 22 May 1984 (B.E. 2527) at the age of 79.
Throughout her life, Queen Ramphai Phanni carried out royal duties alongside King Prajadhipok, traveling to provinces and foreign countries to foster international goodwill. After King Prajadhipok’s death, she fulfilled royal duties on behalf of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) on several occasions. In her role as a senior member of the Chakri dynasty, she made significant contributions in agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, public health, and education. She took responsibility for improving King Prajadhipok Hospital and established the Prajadhipok-Ramphai Phanni Foundation to support the hospital’s activities, the King Prajadhipok Nursing College in Chanthaburi, and Ramphai Phanni Rajabhat University.
The International Buddhist Temple in Paris is located in Villejuif, south of Paris, France. It was founded on 19 July 2014 (B.E. 2557) by Phra Maha Chanyut Veerayuttho of the Dhammayut Nikaya order. The current abbot is Phra Kru Danai Piyasilo.
