King Maha Vajiralongkorn – then the Crown Prince – was married to his cousin, Princess Soamsawali from 1977 to 1991. Their only child, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, was born after a year of marriage. The princess’ mother remains part of the royal family.

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2. She campaigns for the rights of prisoners

Thai prisons are overcrowded, and the country’s per capita incarceration rates are up there with those of China and Russia. Princess Bajrakitiyabha has followed in her mother’s footsteps by taking a keen interest in social welfare. She is in charge of the “Kamlangjai” project, which translates to “Inspire”. It helps ensure that incarcerated Thai women, particularly those who are pregnant or mothers, are given the help they need – such as counselling and child care – to go back into society when they are released. She also runs a project entitled “Enhancing Lives of Female Inmates”, which campaigns for humane treatment of female offenders.

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3. She went to school in England

The princess attended Rajini School in Thailand for her elementary and junior high years, but for secondary school, she moved to England and attended the all-girls’ Heathfield School in Ascot. This was a crucial preparation for her later diplomatic pursuits as she gained exposure to a different culture, which she echoed in her later education. That brings us to our next surprise.

4. She has studied law – lots of it

The princess has a bachelor of law degree from Thammasat University, which she received in 2000. She also holds a master’s degree in law from Cornell Law School in New York (2002), as well as a doctorate in judicial science from Cornell (2005). In 2012, she was also awarded an honorary doctorate by IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. Her international education in the legal system has prepared her well for her role as a diplomat. And speaking of international affairs …

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5. She was the Thai ambassador to Austria

In 2012, she served as the Thai Permanent Mission to the United Nations, in New York, before being appointed Thai ambassador to Austria, a position she held from 2012 to 2014. The princess’ involvement in international affairs and humanitarian causes speaks well of her, and, hopefully, she continues to have a positive effect on the world.

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