BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand arrived in Brunei Wednesday morning for a two-day study visit.
The Thai royal is leading a group of 35 fourth-year cadets from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy of Thailand, where she teaches as part of the academy’s Department of Law and Social Sciences.
She began her visit by touring several places of interest in the capital, including the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Royal Regalia Museum and Kampong Ayer.
In the water village, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had the opportunity to observe some Bruneian cultural activities, including a local food demonstration, traditional music and pencak silat performance.
The princess also dropped in on the Haji Tarif Primary School, meeting with teachers and students.
In the afternoon, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn then visited the Royal Regalia Museum before heading to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
There she attended a briefing on the university’s long partnership with Thai tertiary institutions, as well as two presentations on sustainable energy and agriculture in Brunei.
“We have nine partner universities [from Thailand]… We have an active collaboration with these universities for many years now, and having these international collaborations is important because it enriches learning on both sides,” said UBD vice chancellor Datin Dr Hjh Anita Binurul Zahrina Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Hj Awang Abdul Aziz.
“Over the last seven years, we have sent over 400 students to Thailand, and in the last two years alone we have almost 300 Thai students coming to Brunei,” she added.
After the briefing, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn concluded the first day of her visit by touring UBD’s Botanical Research Centre, where she planted an Agathis borneensis tree, a species found in tropical heath forest.
The Thai royal will continue her study visit on Thursday with a tour of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Defence Academy, Wasan Agricultural Development Area, Maritime Museum and Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.
The princess was recently presented with a life-time achievement award by UNICEF in recognition of her relentless efforts to improve the quality of life of children in Thailand.