Organizations such as B.Grimm sustain the timeless legacy of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, by backing the Princess Mother’s Charities Fund. Her lifelong commitment to nursing, public health, and compassionate care motivates new generations as healthcare demands rise with an aging population and nursing shortages intensify globally.
Empowering Nurses for Underserved Areas
The fund addresses these challenges through scholarships, health programs, and awareness campaigns, training nurses to serve remote and underserved Thai communities.
A Nurse’s Resilience Amid Challenges
Narumon Daengpiam embodies this dedication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Naval Nursing College under the Naval Medical Department and benefited from a Princess Mother’s Foundation scholarship from 2019 to 2023. Today, she serves at Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital.
Her career launched during a tough era marked by communicable diseases, chronic illnesses, long Covid, and air quality-related respiratory problems. “Smiles from patients on the most exhausting days encourage me to keep going,” Narumon stated. “I remind myself that this career provides a stable profession, allowing me to care for both my family and society at the same time.”
The rewards shine through in patient recoveries. “When critically ill patients recover and can move again, we feel our mission has been fulfilled,” she added. “When they return home, their gratitude and the confidence in their eyes help ease our burdens. That is when we realise our profession truly matters to people’s lives.”
Scholarships as Catalysts for Change
The scholarship aligned perfectly with Narumon’s passion for caregiving, easing family financial pressures over four years and symbolizing opportunity and trust. “It has inspired me to continually improve myself in order to give back to the nation,” she said.
The Princess Mother, a nurse herself, emphasized that healthcare workers must care for all patients with compassion, patience, physical strength, and emotional resilience. Narumon draws inspiration from her values in public health, education, and rural development.
Nurses blend knowledge, clinical skills, courage, patience, integrity, and compassion. “Nursing can be demanding and exhausting, but every drop of our sweat represents hope for many others,” Narumon affirmed. “I encourage all fellow nurses to take pride in this profession, as we are the ones who help sustain the lives and breath of others.”
She pledges that nurses will continue delivering humane care without discrimination, even in remote regions.
Foundation’s History and Growth
Established in 1980 by Thanphuying Betty Dumain, a nursing classmate of the Princess Mother from Simmons College in Boston, the Princess Mother’s Charities Fund upholds her mission for public well-being.
To honor the Princess Mother’s 90th birthday, a scholarship fund launched for students at 30 Boromarajonani Colleges of Nursing. The 2002 Universal Coverage Scheme boosted healthcare access but spurred a nurse brain drain abroad. After a 2008 leadership shift and enrollment dips, Harald Link’s chairmanship revitalized efforts.
The program now includes Royal Thai Army, Air Force, and Navy nursing colleges. By 2025, it awarded 11,144 scholarships, bolstering Thailand’s healthcare workforce.
Run for Nurses: Boosting Awareness and Funds
Nursing careers span registered roles, specialties, and supervision. The fund’s Run for Nurses mini-marathon, backed by B.Grimm, raises funds for skills training and education. B.Grimm grants 1,000 annual scholarships nationwide.
Open to competitive runners, recreational participants, and virtual supporters from Thailand and abroad, the event promotes health while funding nurse empowerment and community welfare.
Nationwide Health Initiatives
Funds also aid 19 foundations under the Princess Mother’s patronage, including the Medical Volunteer Programme and Border Patrol Police Families Welfare Foundation. Support extends to Royal Community Health Centres with 20,000 baht per station and annual supplies.
As of 2025, 27 Royal Health Stations operate across 10 provinces and 19 border districts, serving 20,000-25,000 citizens and stateless persons yearly. Most integrate with Border Patrol Police schools, functioning as health and learning hubs to cut preventable diseases, build resilience, and enhance lives in underserved areas.
This work inspires nurses to emulate the Princess Mother’s compassion, diligence, and dedication.
Donations for scholarships and programs are accepted via Siam Commercial Bank account 042-2-40717-1 or TMBThanachart (TTB) account 202-2-05822-2.
