Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess of Thailand
Princess of Thailand

Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

Born 2 April 1955 · Thailand

Established the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre in Thailand in 1991.

Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, The Princess Royal is a member of the Thai royal family. She is the second daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, and the younger sister of King Vajiralongkorn.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Princess Sirindhorn is fluent in Pali, Sanskrit, Cambodian, English, French, Chinese, German, and Latin, a linguistic repertoire uncommon even among royals.

The Story

1
In 1955, at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Dusit Palace, Bangkok, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was born as the third child of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, setting the stage for a unique constitutional change in 1974 that allowed female succession in Thailand.
2
🌟 By 1976, she graduated with first-class honors and a gold medal in history from Chulalongkorn University, after topping national exams at both primary (1967) and secondary (1972) levels, showcasing early academic brilliance.
3Between 1976 and 1980, she simultaneously earned master’s degrees in Oriental Epigraphy (Sanskrit and Cambodian) from Silpakorn University and in Pali and Sanskrit from Chulalongkorn University, highlighting a rare interdisciplinary scholarship in ancient languages.
4In 1987, Sirindhorn completed a PhD in developmental education at Srinakharinwirot University, while continuing to teach history at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, where she eventually directed the History Department until 2015.

🏅 Awards & Honours

2017
Padma Bhushan
—
Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1974, the Thai constitution was amended to permit female succession to the throne, directly affecting Princess Sirindhorn’s position as second in line until 1978.

🖼️

Through the Years

1 photograph from the archives
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn planted a tree at King Narasuan the Great Monument (2013).
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn planted a tree at King Narasuan the Great Monument (2013).
2013

🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth at Dusit Palace, Bangkok
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was born at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, Dusit Palace, the third child of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.
1955
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Education
Top Primary National Exam
She ranked first in Thailand’s primary level national school examinations at grade 7.
1967
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Education
Graduated from Chulalongkorn University
Received Bachelor of Arts with first-class honors and a gold medal in history from Chulalongkorn University.
1976
📚
Education
Earned Dual Master’s Degrees
Achieved MA in Oriental Epigraphy from Silpakorn University and MA in Pali and Sanskrit from Chulalongkorn University.
1980
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Education
PhD in Developmental Education
Completed doctoral studies at Srinakharinwirot University while leading the History Department at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.
1987
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Education
Studied Chinese Culture in Beijing
Attended a month-long scholarship program at Peking University focused on Chinese culture.
2001
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Award
Received Highest Royal Rank
Appointed Krom Somdej Phra by King Vajiralongkorn, receiving the first-class King Rama X Royal Cypher Medal.
2019
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

She ranked first nationally in both primary (1967) and upper secondary (1972) school examinations, achievements rare even among royal family members.

02 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Princess Sirindhorn began teaching history at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in 1980, ultimately becoming the department’s director and earning the military rank of General.

03 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Her work extends beyond Thailand to lead educational and nutritional programs since 1990 in countries like Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Bhutan, and others.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s combined expertise in history, languages, and developmental education enabled her to lead multiple foundations such as the Chaipattana Foundation and the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation, fostering sustainable development and health initiatives in Thailand and neighboring countries. Her academic and philanthropic work helped bridge royal influence with grassroots educational and agricultural reform, shaping policies that improved rural welfare and preserved cultural heritage.

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