The King of Thailand Birthplace Foundation (KTBF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1998. Our mission is to preserve Thai history throughout the state of Massachusetts. KTBF places a high value on preserving Thai history and culture. These efforts can be observed throughout more than ten historic sites in Massachusetts, and are appreciated each year by thousands of Thai people who make the pilgrimage to visit these important places.
The King’s Birth and Family
King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the only Thai monarch born in the USA, at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The King was born on December 5th, 1927, during the family’s second stay in the USA while Prince Mahidol studied medicine at Harvard University.
Princess Mother studied home economics and nursing at Simmons College under a scholarship from Queen Savang Vadhana.
Prince Mahidol was the first Thai royal to study in the USA.
He was a son of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and Queen Savang Vadhana and was the father of two kings, Rama VIII and Rama IX.
KTBF Initiatives
Trail of Thai Royalty
The King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) Birthplace Monument was installed in 2003 as a gift to commemorate His Majesty King birthplace on the occasion of His Majesty 76th birthday. This contribution by KTBF to the City of Cambridge is in the spirit of Thai/American cultural exchange. Visitors from Thailand express love and respect to His Majesty the King at this historical landmark that gives a sense of connection to Thailand.
The Trail of Thai Royalty in Massachusetts further honors Thailand’s longest-reigning, most beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and his royal family.
The trail is 11 historic places where the king’s family stayed from 1916 to 1928.
Each site received an individual plaque with historical comments.
The sites are in Gloucester, Cambridge, Brookline and Martha’s Vineyard
Plaques with further historical notes are displayed at each of the sites below.
Medical and Public Health Symposiums
KTBF has hosted numerous collaborative public health symposiums in partnership with the Thai Physicians Association of America.
Frame Restoration
On July 7, 1960, Prince Mahidol’s son, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, visited Harvard and presented this portrait of Prince Mahidol to Dean George Berry of HMS.
“Thailand”, the king said, “owed its present public health programs to the knowledge his father brought back with his M.D. degree from Harvard.“
The Boston Herald, Friday, July 8, 1960
KTBF commemorated the 100th anniversary of Prince Mahidol’s arrival in Massachusetts by funding the frame’s restoration in 2016.
Thai Scholars Fellowship Fund
KTBF helped establish the Thai Scholars Fellowship Fund at Harvard Chan School of Public Health in Honor of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Prince Mahidol with a $518,275.57 endowment as of September 2023.
Future Projects: Centennial 2027
To get involved with the symposium or contribute a donation please see the “Support Us” page. For other collaborations please contact us with the information below.
President: Cholthanee Koerojna
781-365-0083
ktbf@thailink.com or access www.ktbfoundation.org