Russell County News

RUSSELL — On July 25, Russell Regional Hospital physician Dr. Sambhundh Panichabhongse, Russell, who is a native of Thailand, was awarded the silver medal of the Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn.

The medal was presented to Dr. Sam by the Thai consul at the Thai Embassy in Chicago by royal decree of King Rama IX of Thailand for Dr. Sam’s “Devotional Service to the Kingdom.”

Since 1998, Dr. Sam has been traveling to Thailand to perform medical missionary work for the people there. His many years of such service were recognized by King Rama IX as worthy of the medal.

The Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn was established by King Rama IX, July 22, 1991, to be bestowed upon those who have rendered devotional services to the Kingdom of Thailand.

There are seven classes of medals which are awarded by King Rama IX to those people deemed worthy of this honor. Dr. Sam received a silver medal of the seventh class.

Dr. Sam, during his missionary visits to Thailand, has performed many kinds of medical service, including surgery and work to improve sanitation in the schools.

Dr. Sam was accompanied to Chicago by his wife, Ladamard; daughter Pearl Panichpong Limson and husband Melvin Limson; Pearl’s daughter, Cataleeya; Bonnie Thompson, nurse at the Russell Regional Hospital Physician’s Clinic; and Michele Pellant, director of health information management at Russell Regional Hospital.