Thai Princess Sirindhorn responds to China's awarding of Medal of Friendship

BANGKOK - Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has responded to her being conferred China's Medal of Friendship for her enormous contribution to the friendship between Thailand and China.

Princess Sirindhorn is among the six foreigners who were recently awarded the Medal of Friendship, an honorary title issued under a presidential decree in the lead-up to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The Princess said in a written reply that she was very impressed with the Medal of Friendship conferred by the Chinese government and excited at the awarding event in China, which she described as an important experience in her life.

"For the past 70 years, the Chinese people and the Chinese government have developed the country and overcome many, varied obstacles."

She noted that both the Chinese people and the Chinese leaders have had patience, perseverance, diligence and desire for knowledge so as to have acquired prosperity up to now.

The Princess congratulated China and the Chinese people on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"I wish the People's Republic of China to acquire progress and success and the Chinese people to have physical and mental happiness, prosperity and stability," She said.

The princess also commented that the Thailand-China cooperation on education has offered Thailand new chances.

"When I had the opportunity to study the Chinese language and society for a month, I thought of sending Thai students for a course in China, especially about science, technology and other subjects which others may not have learned in China before," she said.

Many students returned to Thailand after finishing their study in China, with some finding jobs and some advancing their studies in other countries.

"Thai researchers were sent to work with Chinese researchers for projects which we certainly would not have done if we had not cooperated with China. China has conducted research and development on those projects for the past 70 years," she noted.