His Majesty King Rama X instructed the King’s Private Offices 904 to set up the Royal Initiative Volunteers in tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit for their contributions to the Thai nation. It encourages unity and happiness among the people, and stability for the country as a whole. The programme is under the supervision of the King’s Private Offices 904, and works in conjunction with various other government and private sector offices. An Royal Initiative Volunteers Project operations centre was also set up to control, direct and coordinate activities to ensure that they are conducted properly and in line with royal initiatives. Initially, His Majesty the King desired that the volunteer work be carried out in communities around Dusit Palace, as a public service activity in tribute to the late King Rama IX. The 1st King’s Own Bodyguard Regiment, together with courtiers of the royal household and volunteers from the general public under the project “Good Deeds from the Heart” helped to clean up and improve the small communities around Dusit Palace, gradually expanding the area of coverage to other parts of the country in a steady and sustainable way.

The term “volunteer” means a heart that is ready to deliver goodwill towards fellow human beings with willingness, contentment and joy, ready to sacrifice time, physical and mental effort to do public service activities that benefit others without expecting anything in return. A heart that is happy to help others, that does not stand by idle when it sees others in trouble. A heart that is happy to do good and see tears turn to smiles. A heart that is full of “merit” or peace and the power of goodness, while reducing “ego”.

This “Doing Good Deeds For Country And People” Volunteer Project apply to the public from all walks of life, both in Thailand and overseas, who are willing to dedicate their time, physical and mental efforts, to do public service activities without expecting anything in return. The Royal Initiative Volunteers can be divided into three categories: 1) Development Volunteers – Royal Initiative Volunteers whose objective is to develop local communities to improve the quality of life through activities that include public service, natural and environmental preservation, safety in daily life and career, public health etc., 2) Disaster Volunteers – Royal Initiative Volunteers whose objective is to monitor, check, warn and make plans in the case of natural disasters or other disasters that affect the public, as well as provide relief for disaster victims in the case of floods,storms or fires, 3) Ad Hoc Volunteers – Royal Initiative Volunteers whose objectives are to help in royal ceremonies or royal arrivals, working in conjunction with relevant government units to facilitate public participation, prepare venues as well as restore the venues after the royal ceremonies to their original states.