For her work among rural women, Queen Sirikit was awarded the prestigious Ceres Medal in 1979 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, bringing international recognition to an achievement already well known to the countless Thais who have benefited from it.  In 1980, at the recommendation of the world-famous Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University of the United States awarded Her Majesty an honorary doctorate degree in Humane Letters, in recognition of her work for the rural poor of Thailand and her humanitarian work in her capacity as Chairman of the Thai Red Cross Society.  Moreover, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit is very keen on the conservation of the environment.  She has launched several projects related to the environment, such as the project to conserve the forests and wild life in all parts of Thailand.  In 1986 the Chairman of the Board of Directors of World Wildlife Fund presented to Her Majesty an award as an outstanding protector of forests and wildlife.  In 1988, for her deep concern for the health and welfare of the people of Thailand, she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in Great Britain’s 470-year-old Royal College of Physicians, the highest honor the college confers.

Apart from the work for the rural poor in Thailand, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit also plays the outstanding role in supporting humanitarian policies for refugees from all countries.  In 1990, she received the Center for Migration Studies Immigration and Refugees Policy Award from the Center for Migration Studies (CMS) for her efforts in assisting approximately one million homeless refugees since 1975.  In addition, she was presented the International Humanitarian Award by Friends of the Capital Children’s Museum of Washington D.C. in 1991 for Her Majesty’s service in giving educational opportunities to children in remote areas.  It was the first time ever that this award was presented to a non-American. Her Majesty’s role in cultural affairs is also recognized by many international organizations.  UNESCO found her work through the SUPPORT Foundation to be in accordance with the aim of UNESCO to preserve the cultural heritage of the member countries.  UNESCO’s Borobudur Gold Medal Award was, therefore, presented as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit in 1992.  In the same year, she was presented a medal and a special award by two other United Nations organizations, UNICEF and UNIFEM, for her sacrifice and dedication in supporting the role of Thai women in developing the country.