Thai princess visits Noy

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino welcomed Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who visited him at Malacañang on Monday.

Princess Sirindhorn is the second daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

Aquino’s sisters Ballsy Cruz and Pinky Abellada hosted a dinner in honor of the princess.

In her brief message, Cruz said the princess has a big and generous heart as she recalled the royalty’s first visit to Manila in 1991 to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service.

“We were inspired by the kindness and simplicity of Your Royal Highness. 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,” Cruz said.

She 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),” added the presidential sister.

Cruz wished for the continued good health and happiness of the royal family and for an 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.”

Princess Sirindhorn’s visit this week is her third to the Philippines – the first was in 1991 when she received the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the second in 2009 when she paid an official visit to the country.

The princess is known for her philanthropic work and her patronage of culture and the arts. Her efforts have focused on education, children and disaster relief.