Debsirin School (Thai: โรงเรียนเทพศิรินทร์, pronounced[tʰêːp.sì.rīn]) is a boys' secondary school in Thailand. Founded by King Chulalongkorn in 1885
, its alumni include King Ananda Mahidol,[1] Malaysia's founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman,[2] more than 70 cabinet members, including five prime ministers, and numerous military leaders and dignitaries. Debsirin School participates in Jaturamitr Samakkee, a biennial traditional football competition between the four oldest boys' schools in Thailand.--. ... ....
The fifth Abbot of Wat Thep Sirin Thrawat had donated land for a school as early as 1702.[3]
King Mongkut had tried to modernize Siam, enabling it to stand up to the European powers. He was succeeded by his 15-year-old son, Chulalongkorn, who reigned as Rama V, now known as Rama the Great. Rama V was the first Siamese king to have a Western education, having been taught by a British governess, Anna Leonowens.[4] As Bangkok developed as the capital of the new nation of Siam, Rama V's government began several nationwide development projects, despite financial hardship. New roads, bridges, railways, hospitals and schools mushroomed throughout the country, all funded from the national budget.
In a speech at a student award ceremony in 1884, the King said;
"... Academic subjects have been acceptable and admirable because they have been precious subjects for leaders like the kings. All citizens deserve to know because they enable everything to be successful. "
"... The princes, royal family members, bureaucrats and all citizens will have equal educational opportunities. Therefore, education will be the first priority which I will try to develop to become prosperous. "[5]
In 1885, he founded the school, naming it in honour of his mother, Debsirindra Queen Ramphoei Phamaraphirom (Thai: รำเพยภมราภิรมย์). The school opened with 53 pupils.[3]
King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) visited the school in 1946
During World War II Thailand, under Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram, was allied with the Axis powers and declared war on the United Kingdom and United States when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Bangkok suffered heavily in the subsequent Allied bombing raids and Debsirin School, strategically located near the railway, was not spared. Most of the teaching buildings (Maen Naruemit and Choduek Laohasetthi) were destroyed. They were later rebuilt by the alumni and the Ministry of Education. The main building, renamed Maen Suksa Stan Building, was built in the Gothic style.[6]
Debsirin School in 2016Maen Suksa Stan Building
Today, Debsirin School has a strong alumni network (Debsirin Alumni Association) under royal patronage, several prime ministers of Thailand and members of the royal family. The school also operates as a living museum, containing exhibits on the history of the school and the development of Thai education.[7]
Facts
School Abbreviation : D.S.
Type of School : Government Boys' Secondary School
School Motto : (Pali) Na siyā lokavaḍḍhano (Be not a useless person)
School Vision : To be a leading organization of learning to international standards. Develop learners for excellence. Have virtue, morality and gentleness. Have the skills to live, aware sense of Thainess and be a world potential citizen.
Surrounding Place
Wat Debsirindrawas Ratchaworawiharn
Wat Debsirindrawas Ratchaworawiharn
Wat Debsirindrawas Ratchaworawiharn is a second class royal temple built at the command of King Rama V as a dedication to Queen Debsirindra, and named Wat Debsirindrawas.
Debsirin Network
List of Debsirin School Network
No.
Name
Address
1.
Debsirin School
1466 Krungkasem Road Watthepsirin Pom Prap Sattru Phai District Bangkok
2.
Debsirin Romklao school
2 Soi ICD 8 Khlong Samprawet Lat Krabang Bangkok 10520
3.
Debsirin Klong 13 Pathumthani
37 Moo 4 Lam Luk Ka Pathum Thani 12150
4.
Debsirin Nonthaburi
Bang Kruai Muang Nonthaburi Nonthaburi 11130
5.
Debsirin Phukhae Saraburi School
175 Moo 1 Phukhae Saraburi 18240
6.
Debsirin Lat Ya Kanchanaburi
279 Moo 1 Lat Ya Kanchanaburi 71190
7.
Debsirin Khonkaen School
361 Moo 9 Khonkaen 40000
8.
Debsirin Chiang Mai School
248 Moo 2 Chiang Mai 50120
9.
Debsirin Samut Prakan School
799 Moo 6, Bang Mueang Mai, Samut Prakan 10270
10.
Debsirin 9 School Royal Project under Royal Patronage