Rajini School is one of Thailand’s oldest and most respected girls’ schools. It was founded on 17 May 1904 by Queen Saovabha Phongsri, consort of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) and mother of King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI). She personally funded the establishment of the school in a row of shophouses at the corner of Atsadang Road and Chak Phet Road, near Pak Khlong Talad in Bangkok. Her aim was to create a place where Thai girls could receive a proper education and develop their abilities.

From the beginning, Queen Saovabha employed three Japanese teachers to teach English, mathematics, science, drawing, embroidery and the art of making artificial flowers. One of these teachers, Mr Yasui Tetsu, had studied in England and later became President of Japan’s Christian Women’s University. He served as the school’s first headmaster. Thai teachers taught Thai language and dressmaking. The school’s mission was to give girls practical skills so that they could earn a living, to teach them both Thai and English thoroughly, and to develop their morals, manners and sense of responsibility.

In 1905, the school moved to a new site by the Chao Phraya River near Pak Khlong Lot, Tha Chang Wang Na and Phra Athit Road, and from that year it began accepting boarding students. In 1906, Queen Saovabha requested royal permission to move the school again, this time to the grounds of Sunandalay Palace. This became its permanent location. Later, Crown Prince Vajiravudh (later King Rama VI) continued the Queen Mother’s mission. He appointed Luang Aphirak Ratcharit (later Phraya Surin Ratcha-Nokyung Wisetkul) as the school director and expanded the curriculum to include geography.

Queen Saovabha believed strongly that the progress of the country depended on the education of all its people, men and women alike. At that time, girls had far fewer opportunities than boys, so she wanted to ensure that Thai girls could learn to the same standard as girls overseas, allowing them to advance and contribute to the nation. Rajini School therefore became a pioneering institution for girls’ education in Thailand, raising standards and opening opportunities in an era when few schools accepted female students. It remains a legacy of the Queen Mother’s vision to empower Thai women through knowledge and character.