Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand graced Peking University (PKU) with a memorable visit on April 6, 2024.
Arriving early on the morning, Princess Sirindhorn and her entourage were warmly welcomed by PKU Council Chair Hao Ping and PKU President Gong Qihuang in front of the façade of Linhuxuan, flanked by Thai and Chinese representatives. Officials from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, as well as School leaders and professors, joined the gathering.At Linhuxuan, Princess Sirindhorn reminisced about her life and study at Peking University, while inquiring about the University's development and emphasizing the enduring friendship between Thailand and China. She lauded the significant strides made in educational cooperation between the two nations, particularly highlighting the popularity of Chinese language courses in Thailand and the growing opportunities for Chinese students in Thai institutions. Princess Sirindhorn, who studied Chinese language and culture at Peking University, expressed her wish for more Thai students to pursue studies at her Alma Mater and other Chinese institutions. She also voiced hopes for expanded Thai-Sino collaborations in various fields including science and technology, medicine, engineering, and vocational training.
Hao Ping warmly welcomed Princess Sirindhorn, recalling her academic journey at Peking University, including her routine practice of Tai Chi on campus. Hao commended the princess's unwavering support for Peking University and her significant contributions to fostering mutual understanding and friendship between China and Thailand.Gong Qihuang thanked Princess Sirindhorn's enduring support of Peking University and introduced the institution's developments and projects, particularly in emerging engineering and interdisciplinary fields, since last June, when he visited the princess in Bangkok. Gong pointed out that under the patronage of Princess Sirindhorn, Peking University has conducted constructive cooperation with Thai higher institutions in fields including language and culture, medicine, biology, chemistry, and engineering. He also hoped that this trip could provide the princess with a fresh experience of her Alma Mater.
In the afternoon, the princess visited the Chengze Garden of Peking University and greeted Prof. Justin Yifu Lin, the honorary dean of the National School of Development (NSD) and dean of the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD). Prof. Lin accompanied the princess on the tour of the NSD and the ISSCAD while briefing Her Highness on the background and development of the School and the Institute.
On the same day, the princess also visited the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and the Peking University Elementary School.
This marked Princess Sirindhorn's 19th visit to Peking University since she was awarded an honorary doctoral degree by the University in 2001. Each of her visits to China almost invariably includes a stop at Peking University.
