Santi Mala Medal

History

Abbreviated "S.M." (ศ.ม.), this is a medal awarded as a reward for courage.

During the reign of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), His Majesty graciously commanded that the Santi Mala Medal be created for conferment in recognition of good deeds and as a memorial to those who resisted, made sacrifices, and did everything to turn harm into good, thereby enabling Thailand to attain peace and to preserve its independence and sovereignty. For this purpose His Majesty commanded the enactment of the Santi Mala Act, B.E. 2489 (1946).

There are two classes: the ordinary class, a tin medal, and the special class, a silver medal. The medal is awarded to both men and women.

1. The ordinary class is a tin medal of oval form. The obverse bears a figure of Erawan (Airavata, the three-headed elephant). The reverse bears a verse inscribed in Thai and Roman letters, "นต.ถิสน.ติ ปรํสุขํ" "NATTHI SANTI PARAM SUKAM", meaning "There is no happiness higher than peace." It measures 4.1 centimeters wide and 5.6 centimeters high. It is suspended from a red ribbon 40 millimeters wide; at the center of the ribbon is a blue stripe 4 millimeters wide, flanked on each side by a white stripe 2 millimeters wide. It is worn on the left breast of the garment.

For women, the ribbon is tied in the shape of a dragonfly and worn on the front of the left shoulder.

2. The special class is similar to the ordinary class but is made of silver, and above the medal are two crossed swords in silver. It is the same size as the ordinary class medal.

1. It is awarded to those who performed meritorious deeds in resisting invaders and who made sacrifices to turn harm into good, thereby enabling Thailand to attain peace and to preserve its independence and sovereignty.

2. It is conferred as the recipient's property; upon the recipient's death, the legal heirs shall keep it as a memento.