THE NURSERY OF PHRA AKKHARA CHAYA THOE: THE FIRST SCHOOL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN IN SIAM

Abstract

This article explores the history, objectives, and educational regulations of “The Nursery of Phra Akkhara Chaya Thoe,” the very first nursery and preschool in Siam. Established in 1890 (B.E. 2433) by Phra Akkhara Chaya Thoe Princess Saisavali Bhiromya, Krom Khun Suddhasininat (her title at the time), the institution was conceived amidst her profound grief over the untimely loss of her daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Nabharachamrassri, who passed away from typhoid fever at the tender age of five In response, she sought royal permission from King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) to utilize her personal land in the Suan Mali sub-district, along Bamrung Mueang Road, to build the nursery. This endeavor aimed to nurture vulnerable children and make merit in dedication to her late daughter. Regarding its administration, His Royal Highness Prince Damrong Rajanubhab assumed the role of the nursery's manager.

Its primary objective was to aid and support orphans, destitute children, and those from impoverished families. The institution provided full boarding and free medical care for children from infancy up to the designated age limit. A key highlight was the implementation of the “10 Core Lessons for Children” curriculum, which emphasized literacy, numeracy, life skills, and self-reliance through play-based learning. Remarkably, this Siamese concept aligned with modern early childhood education and the Montessori Approach, despite predating Montessori’s ideology by approximately nine years. Although the nursery eventually faced an influx of children who did not meet the criteria—leading to a restructuring of the space and its ultimate closure—the Princess’s immense contributions and benevolence remain a foundational cornerstone and the origin of social work and early childhood education in Thailand, predating the government's establishment of the first public kindergarten by 50 years. Today, this historical legacy remains visibly evident through the name “Trok Rong Liang Dek” (The Nursery Alley) in Bangkok.