Peking University, April 15, 2025: In an annual China-Thailand cultural exchange highlight, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn recently visited Peking University on her 20th consecutive yearly trip to her alma mater, as the two Asian countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Her Royal Highness is received at the Zhibeizi Garden
A PKU alumna who once studied Chinese culture at the school, Her Royal Highness received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in 2001 and China’s Friendship Medal in 2019. Since then, she has been making annual visits to the school as an effort to promote China-Thailand friendship and cultural exchanges.
He Guangcai, Chair of the Peking University Council, expressed appreciation for Her Royal Highness’s consistent support for PKU throughout two decades as part of a broader effort to boost bilateral ties between China and Thailand. The reception meeting took place at Zhibeizi Garden.
Her Royal Highness at the reception meeting with He Guangcai and Gong Qihuang
He Guangcai then reaffirmed PKU’s commitment to deepening cultural exchange and mutual learning so as to contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Gong Qihuang, President of Peking University, praised Her Royal Highness’s continuous effort in fostering mutual understanding between the youth of the two nations. He then introduced the latest developments at PKU, including discipline building and scientific research achievements, expressing hope to deepen cooperation between PKU and Thai institutes in academics and research.
Thanking the warm hospitality of PKU, Her Royal Highness congratulated the school’s extraordinary scientific achievements, and stressed the importance of expanding student exchanges in boosting bilateral relations.
A book launching ceremony was subsequently held at the Garden for “A Collection of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Chinese Calligraphy”.
During the ceremony, Hu Zhiping, Deputy Director-General, Center for Language Education and Cooperation, Ministry of Education, praised Her Royal Highness’s dedication to learning Chinese and promoting Chinese language education, paving the way for flourishing Confucius Institutes in Thailand.
Group Photo at the book launching ceremony
Ji Chuanbo, Chief Editor of Peking University Press, introduced the book as the collection of Her Royal Highness’s Chinese calligraphy writings from 2015 to 2024, which vividly reflected her deep love for Chinese culture and the ironclad bond between the two countries.
At the lunch banquet afterwards, Her Royal Highness enjoyed Chinese delicacies while watching dancing performances by Chinese and Thai students. She then accepted the souvenir gifted by He Guangcai and Gong Qihuang, concluding her visit on a high note.
The dignitaries and PKU officials in attendance also included Chatchai Viriyavejakul, ambassador of Thailand to China; Wu Jun, Second-Class Inspector of the Department of Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Qiao Jie, Executive Vice President of Peking University; Ning Qi, Vice Chair of the Peking University Council; and Fang Fang, Vice President of Peking University.
Performance at the banquet
Written by: Chen Shizhuo
Edited by: Zhang Jiang
Photo by: Li Xianghua
