Recognized for numerous remarkable achievements, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother was presented with many international awards in recognition of Her Majesty’s deep concern for the health and welfare of the people of Thailand. The first Food Safety Award presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) was among them.

WHO honored Her Majesty Queen Sirikit with the world’s first Food Safety Award on 8 August 2005 in recognition of Her Majesty’s outstanding contribution by promoting human health through food safety. The then WHO Director-General Lee Jong-Wook had an audience with Her Majesty on 9 August 2005 to present her with an honorary medal. 

The award presentation ceremony took place at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, coinciding with the sixth Global Conference on Health Promotion, held in Bangkok from 7 to 11 August 2005. The WHO compliment was a proud moment for Thailand and the Thai people.

Speaking to a group of well-wishers on the eve of Her Majesty’s birthday anniversary in 1988, the Queen pointed out that good health was very important, as it was a firm foundation of life. Her Majesty stated that if the people were in good health, free from diseases, they would be better equipped to study, engage in honest occupations, and contribute to the progress and prosperity of the country.

Food safety was of great concern to Her Majesty, who initiated model farms in rural areas to create more food sources and provide jobs for local people to make a living from. These farms offer training in proper cultivation, so that people would learn to farm organically for food safety. Her Majesty advised villagers to reduce chemical use in food production and provided them with knowledge on examination of toxic residue in food, as well as health measures against chemical hazards in daily life.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit made herself a role model in maintaining a healthy diet. Her Majesty encouraged the consumption of food rich in nutritional value. On the occasion of Her Majesty’s 72nd birthday anniversary in 2004, the Ministry of Public Health published the book Eat Like Mother, in accordance with her initiative in food production and consumption. The book also features Her Majesty’s preferred nutritious dishes.

In response to Her Majesty’s wish to promote good health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Public Health, at that time, joined hands in mapping out a food safety strategy for Thailand.