Chula’s 109th Anniversary

On March 26, 2026, at 7:00 a.m., Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the ceremony marking the 109th anniversary of the founding of Chulalongkorn University.

Upon arrival at Chulalongkorn University, she presented a floral tribute and lit incense and candles in royal homage before the statues of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). She then proceeded to the area in front of the university auditorium, where she offered alms to 10 monks together with university executives, faculty members, staff, alumni, and current students.

Her Royal Highness then proceeded to the front portico of the auditorium, where she graciously received university council members, led by Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council, and Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, along with representatives of faculty, staff, alumni, and students, to present their greetings and well-wishes on the occasion of her 71st birthday. On this occasion, she addressed the Chulalongkorn community, after which attendees sang the university anthem “Maha Chulalongkorn.”

Afterward, she proceeded to the reception room in the auditorium, where she permitted university executives and representatives from various sectors of the university community to present donations in support of royal charitable causes at her discretion. She also presented commemorative tokens to the benefactors of the university.

The Princess then attended a performance at the auditorium celebrating the university’s 109th anniversary. The program included traditional Thai music (Pi Phat ensemble), featuring the overture “Maha Chulalongkorn” performed by the university’s Thai music youth orchestra; a poetic recitation by students from the Faculty of Arts; vocal and instrumental performances of “O Lao” (Sam Chan) and the “Nopparat Dance”; and a special musical tribute titled “Phra Phu Hai” (“The Giver”), honoring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The performance included royal compositions and featured ensembles such as the Sai Yai Chamchuri band, the university’s student orchestra, and a northern Thai folk music group, accompanied by dance performances from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. On this occasion, Her Royal Highness herself sang the lead in “Phra Phu Hai,” played the traditional saw duang fiddle, and sang “Love’s Old Sweet Song.”

Her Royal Highness then proceeded to the Maha Chulalongkorn Building, where she laid a garland in homage before the portraits of King Chulalongkorn and King Vajiravudh. She also performed ceremonial anointing and blessing rites for the signs of the Faculty of Integrated Agriculture, the College of Extension and Lifelong Learning for the People, and the College of Interdisciplinary and Integrative Studies.

Before departing, she took commemorative photographs with the university’s executives.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/296677/