Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

On Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn made a private royal visit to meet Her Royal Highness Anne, The Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, sister of His Majesty King Charles III, at Room 114 of Maha Chulalongkorn Building, Chulalongkorn University. 

The meeting took place during The Princess Royal’s visit to Chulalongkorn University to present fellowships and awards for women in science and technology. The event was jointly hosted by Chulalongkorn University and Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.

Upon arriving at Maha Chulalongkorn Building, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn laid floral garlands before the royal portraits of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in tribute before proceeding to Room 112, where she awaited the arrival of The Princess Royal.

Earlier, at 10:40 a.m., the Princess Royal arrived at Chulalongkorn University near Biology Building 1 of the Faculty of Science. She was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council; Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; members of the university administration; and Dr. Krisada Kritayakirana, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Mobility Tech Co., Ltd., operator of the MuvMi electric tuk-tuk service. Following the welcoming ceremony, Princess Royal toured the university campus aboard an electric three-wheeled vehicle.

At 11:10 a.m., The Princess Royal arrived at the Maha Chulalongkorn Building, where she was received by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Professor Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai; Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat; senior university administrators; representatives from the Faculty of Science; and officials from the British Embassy in Thailand.

The Princess Royal laid floral garlands before the royal portraits of King Chulalongkorn and King Vajiravudh in the building’s main hall before proceeding to Room 114, where she held a private audience with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. On this occasion, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented a commemorative gift to The Princess Royal before returning.

At 11:20 a.m., The Princess Royal visited an exhibition showcasing scientific, technological, and innovative achievements by Thai women researchers and innovators in Room 103/2 of the Maha Chulalongkorn Building. She was briefed by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat; Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul; Professor Dr. Pranut Potiyaraj, Dean of the Faculty of Science; and Associate Professor Dr. Intouch Hongrattanawijit, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Science.

The exhibition highlighted the capabilities of Thai women researchers and innovators whose work has been supported through United Kingdom programs. It featured projects applying scientific and technological knowledge to address major societal challenges in environmental sustainability, agriculture, education, healthcare, and biodiversity.

During the visit, the Princess Royal granted audiences to several women innovators supported by UK programs, including:

·       Dr. Pongkarn Chakthranont, National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), who presented an electrochemical reactor prototype for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) that converts captured carbon into renewable energy.

·       Professor Dr. Alisa Vangnai, Chief Technology Officer of Biome Co., Ltd., a spin-off company from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science, who presented engineered enzymes designed to restore soil quality and remove pesticide residues from agricultural land.

·       Associate Professor Dr. Panrasee Ritthipravat, founder of Floaino, an educational platform that teaches artificial intelligence to teachers and students, demonstrates interactive AI learning activities.

·       Assistant Professor Dr. Somrudee Deepaisarn of Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, who presented AI applications supporting osteoporosis screening and diagnosis, together with a privacy-focused virtual hospital platform.

·       Dr. Kanuengnit Wayo of Walailak University, who presented research on agricultural landscapes supporting stingless bee communities, along with honey products from southern Thailand.

Following the exhibition, The Princess Royal proceeded to Room 105 of the Maha Chulalongkorn Building. Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat presented the objectives of the event and reported on scientific and technological cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Princess Royal then delivered the opening address and presented one fellowship for women in science and technology and two awards recognizing outstanding women in science and technology. The fellowship recipient and award recipients subsequently delivered speeches.

After the presentation ceremony concluded, The Princess Royal signed the university’s guest book in the main hall of the Maha Chulalongkorn Building before departing.

The Princess Royal visited Thailand together with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, from July 16-17, 2026, to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the British and Thai royal families. This marked her fourth official visit to Thailand, following previous visits in 1972, 1979, and 1987.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/418436/