FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Derek Ferrar
Media Relations Specialist
East-West Center
Phone: (808) 944-7204
Email: ferrard@EastWestCenter.org
HONOLULU (Feb. 22) -- In a free public ceremony on March 1, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand will formally dedicate the recently reconstructed Royal Sala Thai, or Thai pavilion, at the East-West Center. The ceremony will also include the debut of an original classical-style dance titled “Dream Island,” inspired by the princess and performed especially for the occasion by the Royal Thai Dancers and Musicians ensemble, as well as a special hula performance by Halau ika Wekiu.
The dedication ceremony is open to the public and will take place Saturday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m., adjacent to Imin Center-Jefferson Hall, 1777 East-West Road. Admission is free, and parking is $3, payable at the parking kiosk as you enter the UH campus. For more information, call 808-944-7111, or visit http://www.eastwestcenter.org/events/ .
The dedication is one of several events being held in connection with Her Royal Highness’ visit to Hawaii. On February 29, the princess will be the guest of honor at the East-West Center’s annual “ International Affair ” dinner, where she will accept 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.
More than 3,000 Thai scholars, researchers, students and professionals in business, government, journalism and the arts have participated in East-West Center cooperative programs of research, study, training and dialogue since the Center was established in 1960.
About the Royal Sala Thai
The sala is a rich cultural symbol of Thailand, commonly used as shelter from rain and heat, and quiet conversation, study and contemplation.
During their visit to Hawaii in 1967, Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit dedicated a traditional royal sala as a gift to the East-West Center, in recognition of the importance of the Center to Thai-U.S. relations. One of only four such pavilions outside of Thailand to bear the king’s own royal seal, the sala was named Pratinang Patiharn Tasanai, or “Throne of the Miracle Vision.”
Due to age and climate conditions, the original sala was reconstructed in 2006 under the auspices of His Majesty. The beautiful new structure, made of hard woods and elaborately carved and painted in gold, was built in Thailand and assembled in Hawaii by a crew of traditional craftsmen under the direction of Thai National Artist/Architect Dr. Pinyo Suwankiri.
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.
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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.