Nilawan Pintong

Khun Nilawan Pintong was a Thai feminist and editor, born on December 6, 1915, in Bangkok. She was a pioneer in advocating for women's rights in Thailand, earning her the title "Steel Lotus Blossom." Nilawan founded Thailand's first women's magazine, Satree Sarn, and the Ounakorn Center, both aimed at inspiring active participation of women in community affairs. She was the first Thai recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1961, recognized for giving "Thai women a new and creative role in nation-building." Her early education was influenced by her father, who became a monk after her mother's death, instilling in her the values of charity and service. She pursued her dream of being a teacher, earning a certificate from Bethaburi School of Teacher Training and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages from Chulalongkorn University. Nilawan's career spanned various roles, including teaching, chief of the Official Publications Section, and chief of the Foreign Press Section under the Department of Foreign Affairs. Her legacy includes her contributions to the Thai Library Association and her efforts to raise the standards of library work in Thailand. Nilawan passed away on February 7, 2017, in Bangkok.