These distinguished mothers will receive awards from Her Royal Highness Princess Somsavali at a ceremony tomorrow, vice president for special affairs Dr Prasert Salyawiwat said yesterday.

A committee selected the seven centenarians out of 49 nominees because they were healthy, had a balanced lifestyle and set a good example to younger generations, Prasert said.

Most attributed their longevity to eating fish, chilli paste and loads of fruit and vegetables, as well as being in a constantly good mood.

Fruit grower Sampao Yimkhlib, 102, from Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district, has seven children and lives with her family. With no chronic illnesses and a good memory, she likes going out to make merit and visit fairs.

Farmer Poon Muraphan, 109, from Ang Thong's Muang district, has four children and is still healthy, with good eyesight, memory and conversation skills. She lives with her loving children and is loved by her neighbours.

Suay Chandah, 104, a farmer from Sing Buri's In Buri district, has four children. She is healthy and strong and loves working outdoors. She is cheerful and loved by neighbours. She lives with a daughter and three great-grandchildren.

Farmer Paeng Janwat, 107, from Phetchabun's Lom Kao district, has four children whom she raised alone after her husband died 64 years ago. She is patient, polite and generous, and loves making merit.

In Phermkhiew, 104, from Tak's Ban Tak district, has three daughters. She can no longer walk properly but still has good eyesight, memory and conservation skills.

Boonmee Borkaew, 103, from Ubon Ratchathani, lives with her granddaughter. She gives alms to monks every morning. Her memory and eyesight are still good and she can still converse with others.

Kind-hearted and healthy centenarian Woyae Samae from Narathiwat's Rangae district lives with her granddaughter.

Three environmentalist mothers were also chosen, said Anuchart Puangsamlee, dean of environment and natural resources.

Northern representative Khamma Saengbang-ngoen, 67, from Chiang Mai, is a widow with six children whom she taught to love nature. Her second son Phra Anek Chantapanyo, abbot of Wat Khlong Sila, has won many awards for environmental projects.

The Fang River basin rehabilitation and conservation project that Khamma and Phra Anek have worked on for more than 10 years led to the establishment of the Dong Mae Lak community forest network to care for the remaining forestland. Khamma has taught villagers about trees and herbs and her devotion to conservation almost cost her her life, when she fell down a mountain during a forest survey led by Phra Anek.

Southern representative Kluen Sang-ampai, 75, from Pattani, was a leading protester against the construction of an irrigation canal in forestland and persuaded authorities to use the existing Bhumi Canal, saving a large area of forest for the community.

She was an assistant to researchers at San Sai Forest and has taught villagers and children about how to live closer to nature.

Northeast representative Pha Kongtham, 53, from Roi Et, has worked for more than two decades on community projects, including the 3,000-rai Pa Tham Kud Peng community forest.

She was honoured as an "outstanding community volunteer", had a key role in a local agricultural group and was the community's representative to join an international "women living with forests" conference in Nepal.