His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn's commitment to national development, aimed at enhancing stability and improving the well-being of his people, aligns with the principles of sustainable development—particularly in ensuring equitable access to medical care. This vision led to the creation of the "Happy and Healthy Citizen Project by the Royal Medical Team," a collaborative initiative between the Crown Property Bureau and medical volunteers. Since its inception in 2022, the project has carried out 41 mobile units across all regions, covering 24 provinces. It has provided treatment to a total of 19,497 patients, addressing cataract and dental health issues.
On 22nd March 2025, the Crown Property Bureau in collaboration with Banphaeo General Hospital (Public Organisation), the Siam Commercial Bank PCL, the Siam Cement PCL, SCG Foundation, the Airports of Thailand PCL, the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and partner organisations, hosted the fifth round of the 2025 "Happy and Healthy Citizen Project by the Royal Medical Team" to offer equal and timely access to medical care for people in remote areas nationwide. The project successfully provided surgical treatment for 228 eye patients at Phonthong Hospital, Roi Et Province. On this day, the Governor of Roi Et presided over the opening ceremony.
During the event, Air Chief Marshal Satitpong Sukvimol, the Lord Chamberlain of the Bureau of the Royal Household and the Director-General of the Crown Property Bureau, together with Police Colonel Thumnithi Wanichthanom, the Senior Deputy Director-General of the Crown Property Bureau and the Vice Chairman of the Project, along with executives from the Crown Property Bureau, government agencies, and partner organisations, distributed eyeglasses to patients. They also toured the site to extend their support and encouragement to the medical team, volunteers, and patients.
Phonthong Hospital, a 150-bed facility, is dedicated to providing high-quality secondary care services. This marks the second time a mobile medical unit has been deployed at the hospital since 2023, allowing cataract patients in the area to receive prompt surgical treatment and alleviating the backlog of cases.
A life-changing opportunity that transforms a difficult situation into a ray of hope. From being a cataract patient, struggling with blurry vision and waiting for help, to receiving treatment that enables them to live a normal life once more. Those who have undergone surgery as part of this initiative have shared their thoughts and feelings as follows.
Mrs. Ratree Ananhapoom (76 years old)
"It brings me great joy, heartfelt gratitude, and a sense of pride to know that His Majesty the King shows such concern for us. My hope is for the elderly to maintain clear vision and remain in good health."
"I first heard about His Majesty the King’s free eye treatment programme through the Village Health Volunteer (VHV) in my community. Medical staff from Phonthong Hospital visited the local Community Health Centre to conduct screenings, giving me the opportunity to undergo surgery today. I have spent my entire life here, working as a farmer under the sun and wind, which has affected my eyesight. As I have grown older, my vision has become increasingly blurred. I also suffer from high blood pressure, which makes me worry about dizziness and fainting. In addition, my legs and hips are weak, making it difficult to walk without relying on a cane. Today, having the opportunity to undergo this surgery fills me with immense joy and gratitude, knowing that I will soon regain my sight and return to a normal life."
She further added that, “For the past two years, my worsening eyesight has made me feel like a burden to my family. I desperately wanted to see clearly again, but the cost of treatment was far beyond what I could afford. If I had to pay for it myself, it would have been nearly impossible. Some people don't get treatment at all because they simply can't afford it. Others live too far away to travel, so their eyesight continues to decline. This surgery was offered free of charge, thanks to His Majesty the King and the generous donors. I am incredibly touched and thankful for His Majesty’s compassion and care for the elderly, ensuring we can regain our sight and live in better health.”
"Before the surgery, someone came to speak with me, and I later discovered he was a representative of His Majesty. He explained that the project had been initiated by the King and asked about my vision, whether I could see clearly, and how I was managing with walking. He must have noticed that I was in a wheelchair and was concerned. Soon, I will be able to see clearly again. I am deeply touched by His Majesty’s kindness in sending people to check on us and offer support. The doctors, nurses, and medical staff have provided me with outstanding care."
"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. May Their Majesties be blessed with good health and a long life. I also wish the doctors and medical staff happiness, success, and prosperity in all their endeavours."
Mr. Arkom Phumiphak (77 years old)
"When eyesight begins to fail, the later stages of life may not go as one wishes. His Majesty’s initiative is a tremendous support—truly a gift of the highest good for the people."
"Had my vision deteriorated, the future I had pictured for my later years would have been entirely different. His Majesty the King’s initiative is truly invaluable—a tremendous benefit to the people. After retiring from government service, I returned to my ancestral home and took up farming on the land that had belonged to my parents. However, as the years passed, my eyesight began to fail. I was once able to drive myself wherever necessary, but in time, I had to give it up for fear of my safety.
Without this project in Roi Et Province, undergoing surgery would not have been possible. Travelling a long distance for treatment would have been a significant challenge, and I might never have had the chance to receive care. I did not want to depend on my children and grandchildren, as they have families and responsibilities of their own. Though I understood the importance of vision in daily life, I was reluctant to become a burden to them. Upon learning about His Majesty the King’s programme providing free eye treatment, I eagerly awaited the opportunity to take part.
Prior to my operation, a representative of His Majesty visited me, offering reassurance that my sight would soon be restored, allowing me to see the world clearly once again. That moment filled me with an immense sense of joy and pride—it was one of the most profound experiences of my life. There is truly no one like our King. His Majesty’s deep compassion ensures that even those in remote areas are not forgotten. Now that my eyesight has been restored, I look forward to returning to my farm and resuming my way of life as before. I am deeply grateful for this project, the hospital, the doctors, and all the medical staff who played a role in bringing back my clear vision."
Mr. Thanaphon Trisakul (43 years old)
"His Majesty’s initiative, which brings highly qualified and competent doctors to provide care for people living in distant and rural areas, is both commendable and greatly valuable to the well-being of the population."
"As a lecturer at Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, I have been facing severe vision impairment in both eyes, with my left eye being particularly affected. This has had a significant impact on my work, making it nearly impossible to see slides or the board while teaching. Attending training sessions has also become difficult, as I struggle to view the presentations clearly. Everyday tasks have grown increasingly challenging. I have been diagnosed with stage two diabetic retinopathy, and my work requires me to spend long hours in front of a computer screen. The prolonged exposure to screen light has only worsened my condition. Driving was once part of my routine, but now I must depend on others for transportation. A recent car accident served as a wake-up call, making me realise that seeking treatment was no longer an option but a necessity. Although the cost of surgery is high, I had no choice but to proceed.
It was through one of my students that I first learned about His Majesty the King’s initiative to provide free eye surgery for those who lack access to treatment. I decided to undergo screening and was fortunate to be accepted into the programme in Roi Et Province. Words cannot fully express how grateful I am for His Majesty’s generosity and kindness.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in making this remarkable programme possible. In particular, I am deeply thankful to His Majesty the King for ensuring that highly skilled doctors are available to assist those in remote areas. His Majesty’s compassion is truly inspiring. May he be blessed with a long and prosperous life. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to the organisations and individuals who have contributed to this programme."
Mrs. Anong Meenongyai (56 years old)
"I didn’t have the means or enough money to afford treatment. At my age, going blind was devastating—and I kept worrying about how my family would manage. Without this project, I wouldn’t have received the care I needed. I’m deeply thankful for this initiative that gives people with little to no money a real chance."
"I lacked the financial resources to afford medical treatment, and despite my age, I faced the devastating prospect of blindness. The thought of how this would affect my family deeply troubled me. Without this programme, I would never have been able to undergo the surgery I needed. I am truly grateful for this initiative, which has provided those of us with limited means the chance to regain our sight. Thank you very much."
"For years, I struggled with blurry vision in both eyes, and as time passed, it continued to worsen, making daily life increasingly difficult. My personal life, family, and work all suffered as a result. I learned about this programme when I heard an announcement from the village head and decided to apply. This is now my second surgery. After undergoing the procedure on my right eye, I noticed a remarkable improvement, which encouraged me to participate again to have my left eye treated.
As a housekeeper, my job requires me to carry out cleaning tasks both inside and outside buildings, as well as drive myself to work. With impaired vision, these responsibilities became incredibly challenging. Initially, my family did not understand the severity of my condition and suggested I try wearing glasses, but they made no difference. Eventually, I was diagnosed with cataracts. The news left me feeling hopeless, as I simply did not have the financial means to pay for surgery. Losing my sight at this stage in my life was overwhelming, and I constantly worried about how my family would manage.
If not for this programme, I would never have had the opportunity to undergo surgery and restore my sight. When I was informed that I had been accepted, I was filled with joy. My life has changed completely—tasks that once felt impossible, such as reading, watching television, and working to provide for my family, are now manageable once more. Having this second surgery on my left eye gives me hope that I will soon be able to return to a normal life. I truly believe that both my work and my relationships with my family will improve as a result."
"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty the King for making this treatment possible and for allowing me to regain my sight without any financial burden. If I had to pay for the surgery by myself, I may never have had the chance to recover, and my family life would not have returned to normal. I am also profoundly thankful to the doctors, hospital staff, and everyone involved in providing such excellent care. This programme has given people like me who cannot afford treatment a chance to regain clear vision. Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity."
Mrs. Nupat Thongnam (87 years old)
"I feel truly happy and am filled with hope as I wait for the moment I can see my children and grandchildren once more. I sincerely thank His Majesty the King for granting me this opportunity to regain my vision. May His Majesty be blessed with a long and prosperous reign."
Mrs. Nupat, a lifelong resident of Phon Thong Subdistrict in Roi Et Province, dedicated many years to farming. Constant exposure to the harsh sun and strong winds gradually took a toll on her eyesight. As she grew older, her once-clear vision faded, eventually leaving her dependent on touch to navigate her surroundings. For more than two years, she struggled with severe visual impairment, making even the simplest daily tasks increasingly difficult. It was during an eye examination at Phonthong Hospital in 2024 that she first learned from the medical team about the possibility of undergoing surgery.
"Growing old has already made moving around more difficult, but losing my sight added to the struggle. Now, I depend on my children and grandchildren for assistance and must always be extra cautious. The situation worried me greatly. When I was told about the free eye treatment and found out I was eligible for surgery, I wasted no time in getting ready. I focused on my health, maintained a nutritious diet, and carefully planned my journey to ensure everything went smoothly. Being given this opportunity fills my heart with gratitude and joy. I have waited so long for the moment when I can see clearly again." She spoke with enthusiasm, her laughter filling the air as she prepared herself for the operation.
"The thought of regaining my vision brings me overwhelming happiness. Before the surgery, I took every precaution—I ate well, followed all the doctor’s instructions, and made sure to look after myself properly. I didn’t want anything to stand in the way of this chance. As the day of the procedure approached, I felt both excited and deeply moved, eagerly anticipating the moment I would finally see my children and grandchildren again. My heartfelt thanks go to His Majesty the King for this incredible gift. May His Majesty be blessed with a long and prosperous life."