From the First Step
1881
The First Step Toward Public Health
-
During a cholera outbreak, H.M. King Chulalongkorn established temporary hospitals across 48 districts.
-
After the outbreak, he planned for a permanent hospital and appointed a committee for its construction.

-
A Prince’s Legacy Begins
-
H.R.H. Prince Siriraj Kakudhabhand, the King’s beloved son, died of dysentery at 18 months.
-
In grief, H.M. the King donated wood planks from the prince’s cremation and his private funds to build the hospital.

1887
-
1888
Siriraj Hospital Officially Opens
-
H.M. King Chulalongkorn officially opened the hospital on April 26, naming it Siriraj Hospital.
-
Also known as “Wang Lang Hospital” by locals, it had 50 beds and treated patients with both modern and Thai traditional medicine.

-
Thailand’s First Medical School Established
-
The first medical school in Thailand was established at Siriraj Hospital on September 5.
-
It was named “Bhatayakorn School” with a 3-year curriculum combining modern and traditional medicine.

1890
-
1893
The First Medical Graduates
-
The first batch of Thai medical graduates received their degrees on May 1.
-
Prince Mahidol’s Medical Mission
- During the reign of H.M. King Vajiravudh, Prince Mahidol Adulyadej chose to study public health and medicine in the U.S.
- He earned his C.P.H. in 1922 and M.D. (Cum Laude) from Harvard University in 1928.
1916
1917
Chulalongkorn University Founded
-
Chulalongkorn University was founded.
-
The medical school became one of its four faculties and was renamed the Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University.
-
Raising the Standard of Thai Medicine
Prince Mahidol Adulyadej worked with the Rockefeller Foundation to elevate Thai medical education and improve Siriraj Hospital’s facilities.
1922
1943
Birth of the University of Medicine
-
Under H.M. King Ananda Mahidol, the University of Medicine was founded.
-
The Faculty of Medicine and three other faculties were transferred from Chulalongkorn University.

-
The Rise of Mahidol University
-
In the reign of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the University of Medicine was renamed Mahidol University.
-
The medical school became Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.
-
Siriraj Hospital continued to grow and is now recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s largest hospitals.
1969
-

