Navy Secretary Visits Border Area, Raises Awareness of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's Royal Compassion

Today (26 March 2026) at 2:30 PM Rear Admiral Pannarong Yutthawong, Secretary of the Royal Thai Navy, led central military journalists on a site visit to the Royal Charity Center, formerly known as the Khao Lan Thai Red Cross Center. This center was established under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, President of the Thai Red Cross Society, who issued a royal decree to provide shelter for hundreds of thousands of Cambodian refugees fleeing war and genocide during the Khmer Rouge era. The center also features an exhibition with photographic narratives. And historical information regarding the reception of Cambodian refugees into Thailand, based on the human rights that Thailand granted to its neighboring country, Cambodia

Rear Admiral Pannarong stated that Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, visited this center in 1979. Upon seeing the Cambodian refugees, Her Majesty recognized their lack of basic necessities and initiated the establishment of the Royal Charity Center to assist them. This included providing spiritual support and improving their well-being. Her Majesty's initiative was immediately implemented on the same day of her visit.

Rear Admiral Pannarong added that the center operated continuously until Cambodia became peaceful. Some refugees returned home, and the center initially closed in 1986. He also believes that the Cambodian refugees who received assistance at that time still retain a sense of gratitude. However, younger generations unfamiliar with the situation may have misconceptions and believe that the land they inhabited was theirs from the beginning. This might result in a slightly less transfer of knowledge.