About Sarathun Mala Medal (Sarathunmala Medal)
Compiled from partner sources; under review and editing by our team.
Translated from Thai by AI and not yet reviewed by our team. Names and royal titles may need correction.
History
A medal conferred as a reward for meritorious service. It exists in a single class and is made of silver.
In 1925 (B.E. 2468), on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of the accession of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) to the throne,
the Wild Tiger Corps (Suea Pa) volunteer corps, having followed the royal policy steadfastly and extended throughout the Kingdom, had by then achieved lasting success.
King Vajiravudh therefore deemed it fitting to establish the Sarathun Mala Medal, to be conferred as a reward upon those who had diligently performed Wild Tiger Corps service and completed a full fifteen years of service. His Majesty graciously commanded that the "Sarathun Mala Medal Act, B.E. 2468" be enacted, and it was proclaimed on 1 April 1925 (B.E. 2468), to take effect from 1 January 1925 (B.E. 2468).
King Vajiravudh personally directed the training and observed the field exercises of the Wild Tiger Corps, which His Majesty had graciously founded. In a royal preamble proclaimed on 1 May 1911 (B.E. 2454), His Majesty declared his intention to open an opportunity for civilians, both government officials and merchants and gentlemen,
who wished to receive military-style training, to train in accordance with their wishes in a manner beneficial to the country: namely, to make those so trained good citizens, physically strong and mentally keen in useful ways, patriotic and united, and able to serve as warriors whenever the nation might require.
The Sarathun Mala Medal is a silver medal, shaped as the chakra (disc) emblem of Wild Tiger Corps rank.
Obverse: a tiger's head wearing a crown, in the center of the chakra.
Reverse: in the center is the royal cipher "Ror Ror 6" (R.R. 6, i.e. Rama VI). The upper circular inscription reads
"บำเหน็จแห่งความยั่งยืน" (Reward of Steadfastness) and the lower circular inscription reads "ในราชการเสือป่า ๑๕ ปี" (in Wild Tiger Corps service for 15 years). The ribbon is woven in alternating black and yellow in a rainbow (iridescent) pattern, and is fitted with a double-pointed vajra (thunderbolt) device with a silver clasp. Above the ribbon is inscribed "เสียชีพ อย่าเสียสัตย์" (Sacrifice life, but never honor/truth). It is worn on the left breast of the tunic.
