On 21 September 2018, the Princess Srinagarindra Award Foundation under the Royal Patronage held a joint press conference at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok, to announce the Princess Srinagarindra Award Ceremony 2018. On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Tassana Boontong, Deputy Chairperson and Secretary – General of the Princess Srinagarindra Award Foundation, together with Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Director-General of the Department of Information, Mrs. Nathaya Beokhaimook, Vice President of VVIP/VIP Travel Management and Planning Department, Thai Airways International PLC, Mr. Titiporn Jutimanon, Director of Channel 9 MCOT HD and Ms. Karn Puntuhong, Director of Public Relations of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, were present at the press conference.

             The Princess Srinagarindra Award Ceremony 2018 will be held on 17 October 2018, at 16.00 hrs., at the Royal Palace. The ceremony will be presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Siridhorn.

             This year, the Princess Srinagarindra Award 2018 is awarded to Professor Emeritus Dr. Afaf I. Meleis from the United States of America for her contribution to nursing, healthcare, and public health. Throughout her career, Dr. Meleis has demonstrated her continued dedication and perseverance in advancing nursing science, cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders, advocating health and well-being of women around the world, particularly ensuring that the voice of vulnerable groups are recognised, particularly women who are burdened by societal inequities.

             Dr. Meleis has invested her efforts in setting up a doctoral degree programme in nursing which later became the model for doctoral-level nursing curricula around the world. She has played an important role in the development of doctoral nursing education, including Doctor of Nursing Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees and ensured that they attain a level of excellence. Moreover, she also served as advisor and lecture to numerous nursing schools in countries around the world, including Australia, Sweden, Brazil and in the Middle East.

            In addition, she was also an advisor and lecturer for a doctoral degree programme in nursing at Mahidol University, Chiang Mai University, Khon Kaen University and Prince of Songkla University.