Queen Saovabha Phongsri, formally known as Somdet Phra Sri Bajrindra Borommarachininat Phra Borommarachachonnee Phanpi Luang, was born on 1 January 1854 as Princess Saovabha Phongsri, the 66th daughter of King Mongkut (King Rama IV) and Chao Chom Manda Piam (later Somdet Phra Piyamavadi Sri Bajrindra Mata). She had six full siblings and spent her early years acquiring a modest education. When King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) ascended the throne, she accompanied him and learned from court life by observing and inquiring diligently.

In 1878, she was elevated to the position of Queen Consort and later became the Queen Regent during King Chulalongkorn’s journey to Europe. Her titles progressed from Phra Nang Ther Saovabha Phongsri to Somdet Phra Nang Chao Saovabha Phongsri, Queen Regent of Siam. During King Vajiravudh’s reign (Rama VI), she was honoured with the title Queen Sri Bajarindra, the Queen Mother.

Queen Saovabha Phongsri recognised education as the foundation of national progress. She personally funded and founded numerous educational institutions for girls. Among them were Rajini School, Saovabha School, the Midwifery and Nursing School (now part of Mahidol University), and others such as Vichienmat School, Rachinee Burana School in Nakhon Pathom, and Chomsurang Upatham School in Ayutthaya. She also played a major role in health and social services: she was instrumental in establishing the Siamese Red Cross Society (then known as the Unalom Council) and served as its first president for 26 years. Her generosity extended to funding hospitals and giving allowances to mothers delivering their children to Siriraj Hospital.

One of her most significant contributions was the founding of Rajini School in 1904. Using her own funds, she established this school to empower Thai women through both academic knowledge and vocational skills, enabling them to be self-reliant and economically independent. At a time when female education was still frowned upon, she firmly believed that men and women should be equally educated to ensure national development.

Queen Saovabha was deeply involved in shaping the educational system. She not only founded schools but also oversaw their curricula, hired both Thai and foreign teachers, and closely monitored their progress. Her model led Rajini School to become a national symbol of women’s education.

Through her unwavering support for female education, Queen Saovabha helped shift societal attitudes towards gender roles in early 20th-century Thailand. She redefined the role of women from domestic caretakers to educated, capable individuals contributing to the nation. Her efforts in education, public health, and social welfare left a lasting legacy and positioned her as a reformer in the history of modern Thai womanhood.