Media Contact:
Derek Ferrar
Media Relations Specialist
East-West Center
Phone: (808) 944-7204
Email: ferrard@EastWestCenter.org
HONOLULU (Feb. 7) -- Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand will be the guest of honor at the East-West Center’s annual dinner, “An International Affair,” set for Feb. 29 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Coral Ballroom. The princess will be accepting the Center’s Asia Pacific Community Building Award on behalf of her father, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in recognition of His Majesty’s dedicated work toward the welfare of the people of Thailand.
The evening’s festivities will also feature performances of traditional Thai dance and music by select members of the Royal Thai Government’s official performing arts ensemble.
The evening begins with cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and performances at 6:30. Cost is $200 per person. Also included will be a bazaar and silent auction featuring exotic items from Asia, the Pacific and the U.S. Proceeds from the event support the East-West Center’s education and leadership programs for international students. For more information, call (808) 944-7196, click here.
The following morning, March 1, Her Royal Highness will formally dedicate the Royal Sala Thai, or Thai pavilion, at the East-West Center. A release on that event will be sent separately.
Her Royal Highness’ visit to Hawaii comes as the U.S. and Thailand prepare to commemorate the 175th anniversary of formal relations, one of the most longstanding friendships between America and an Asian nation.
More than 3,000 Thai scholars, research specialists, graduate and undergraduate students, and professionals in business, government, journalism and the arts have participated in East-West Center programs of research, study, training and dialogue since the Center was established in 1960.
About the Asia Pacific Community Building Award:
The Asia Pacific Community Building Award recognizes individuals whose vision and accomplishments exemplify the mission of the East-West Center. Past honorees include Sen. Daniel Inouye, Mr. and Mrs. Houghton “Buck” Freeman of the Freeman Foundation, former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, influential Indian business leader Ratan Tata, and former grand master of the Urasenke Tea Tradition, Dr. Genshitsu (Soshitsu XV) Sen.
About HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn:
Born in 1955, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is the third child of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. She is widely beloved by the Thai people, who often refer to her as "Princess Angel,” and also as the "Princess of Technology,” due to her interest and expertise in applying science for the country's development. As a representative of the royal family, she has worked extensively on development projects in such fields as health and hygiene, education, water resource development, agriculture, and cottage industry, in addition to directing several philanthropic organizations and foundations.
Her Royal Highness holds two master’s degrees in history and a Ph.D. in educational development, and teaches in the history department of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. An accomplished musician, she plays the trumpet and several Thai traditional instruments. She is also an avid writer of articles, poetry and short stories. Proceeds from her written accounts of her overseas travels are the main source of income for the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation, which supports needy students in schools, vocational colleges and universities. In addition to her knowledge of Pali, Sanskrit and Cambodian, HRH is communicative in both English and French and has been learning Chinese, German and Latin.
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The EAST-WEST CENTER is an education and research organization established by the U.S. Congress in 1960 to strengthen relations and understanding among the peoples and nations of Asia, the Pacific, and the United States. The Center contributes to a peaceful, prosperous and just Asia Pacific community by serving as a vigorous hub for cooperative research, education and dialogue on critical issues of common concern to the Asia Pacific region and the United States. Funding for the Center comes from the U.S. government, with additional support provided by private agencies, individuals, foundations, corporations, and the governments of the region.
