The Commemorative Stamp : The Bi-Centenary Celebrations of H.R.H Krom Luang Wongsa Dhiraj Snid (แสตมป์ที่ระลึก - ตราไปรษณียากรที่ระลึก 200 ปี พระเจ้าบรมวงศ์เธอ กรมหลวงวงษาธิราชสนิท)

Date of Issue : 30 March 2009
Denomination : 3.00 Baht
Designer : Adisorn Pradit (Thailand Post Co., Ltd.)

The Prince of Medicine

Phra Chao Boromwongthoe Krom Luang Wongsa Dhiraj Snid, ne Phra Ongchao Nuam, was born on July 9th, 1808. This half brother of King Nang Klao Chaoyouthua, or Rama III, served as a physician to the King members of the royal family and high ranking noblemen at the royal court. His work included the compiling of a large number of traditional Thai medicinal ingredients and the classifying of the medicinal properties of herbs following the method of classification practised by Western physicians. He was the first Thai physician to be granted certificates from associations and institutes of medicine, both in Europe and America, and he was invited to become a member of the New York Academy of Medicine.

As well as his knowledge of medicine, the Prince was interested and well versed in literary works. He wrote poetry, one example of which is the second volume of the Chindamanee Proverbial Poems. In the past, his composition was used as a textbook for the sutdy of Thai culture. UNESCO proclaimed him as Important Person for the Year 2008-2009 in the category of Sages and Poets.

Source: Thai Stamp Bulletin, Vol. 2009, April-June 2009