Peking University, Apr. 9, 2013: “I hope to see Thai students at PKU expand their study areas,” said Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during her annual visit to PKU on April 7.

“I am concerned about how to expand the two country’s educational connection from language study to wider areas including chemistry, agriculture, and history,” said the princess when meeting PKU student representatives.

“I hope the young of the two countries get together, be friends, and communicate, which will greatly contribute to improving the cultural exchange and mutual understanding in the future,” she said.

The princess inspired Thai students at the university to study hard, especially in social science and linguistics. “I am pleased to see the increasing number of Thai students who have chosen to go to PKU for further education,” said Sirindhorn when meeting PKU Council Chairman Zhu Shanlu.

Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

Princess Sirindhorn and PKU Council Chairman Zhu Shanlu

Princess Sirindhorn and PKU President Wang Enge (File photos)

The princess was invited to attend Beijing Forum 2013, a PKU-sponsored academic forum in social sciences. She received a photo of hers taken at Beijing Forum 2012 as a gift, and presented in return a painting she drew.

Accompanied by PKU Vice President Li Yansong, Princess Sirindhorn attended the seminar on "Chinese and Thail scholars to observe Western language and culture" and the signing ceremony of the agreement on cooperation between PKU Center for Nano Chemistry and Thailand National Nanotechnology Center.

Background Info:
Born on April 2, 1955, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is the third child of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. In Thailand, she is often referred to as the “Princess of Technology” or the “Princess of Information Technology” due to her interest and expertise in applying science for the country's development. Sirindhorn has a background in Chinese culture, as well as other Eastern cultures. She first visited China in 1981, and has studied at PKU for one month in 1991 with an honorary doctorate. With her support, the PKU Sirindhorn Science and Culture Center was established in 2005. Princess Sirindhorn has paid annual visits to PKU since.

Written by: Cheng Zui, Xu Jun, and Zheng Ye

Edited by: Jacques