President Aquino welcomes Thai Princess to Malacañang Palace

Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang Palace on Monday.

President Aquino exchanged pleasantries with Princess Sirindhorn, second daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand during a brief and simple ceremony at the Palace.

After the courtesy call, the President’s sisters Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz and Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino-Abellada hosted a dinner in honor of the Thai Princess.

In her brief message, Aquino-Cruz recalled her first encounter with Princess Sirindhorn when the latter visited Manila during the presidency of her late mother, Corazon Aquino, to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service.

“We saw firsthand your big and generous heart and, even then, we were inspired by the kindness and simplicity of Your Royal Highness,” Aquino-Cruz told the Thai Princess.

“This time you have come to visit the provinces of Leyte and Surigao. Your project with the Department of Education reveals your sincere compassion with the children and your high regard for education,” she added.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro was also present during the dinner.

Aquino-Cruz noted that Thailand has always been good to the Philippines, especially during times of disasters.

“In addition to the donations made by the government and the people of Thailand, I recall the significant contribution from Your Royal Highness to the Philippine Red Cross for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda),” she said.

She likewise acknowledged the “message of sympathy and heartfelt condolences” from His Majesty King Bhumibol and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

She then wished for the continued good health and happiness of the royal family and enduring friendship between the Philippines and Thailand “as we move closer and stronger as an ASEAN community working together for progress, peace and stability of the region.”

The Thai Princess’ visit to Malacañang on Monday was her third visit to the Philippines.

The first was in 1991 when she received the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the second was in 2009 when she paid an official visit to the Philippines.

Princess Sirindhorn is known for her philanthropic work and her patronage of culture and the arts. Her efforts have focused on education, children, and disaster relief. (PNA) SCS/PND/EDS