Bangkok – The streets of Thailand bloomed with yellow marigolds and the glow of candlelight on Tuesday as the nation celebrated the 70th birthday of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, a royal figure revered for her decades of humanitarian work.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn celebrates her birthday today

From dawn ceremonies at Bangkok’s Grand Palace to remote hill tribe villages where her education projects transformed lives, citizens paid tribute to the princess affectionately called “Than Phra Ying” (Royal Younger Sister). At the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra led officials in presenting ceremonial trays of flowers, while schoolchildren across the country released 70 symbolic white doves in Chiang Rai.

On the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s birthday anniversary on 2nd April 2025, JFCCT would like to express the most humble wishes for the beloved Princess, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, for a healthy and happy life pic.twitter.com/h6zGc8nNFo

— The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (@jfcctthailand) April 2, 2025

The princess, known for her hands-on approach to rural development, spent her birthday visiting a forest conservation project in Ratchaburi province—a hallmark of her lifelong commitment to grassroots progress. “Her footprints are in every corner of Thailand,” said villager Boonserm Khamkaew, 62, displaying a photo of the princess drinking rainwater from a coconut shell during a 1990s drought relief mission.

Thai netizens rally in support of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

Even amid recent tragedies—including last week’s deadly earthquake—the celebrations offered unity. At sunset, 70,000 LED lanterns illuminated the Chao Phraya River, their golden light reflecting the public’s enduring devotion.

Long Live Her Royal Highness. 🇹🇭

-Thailand News (TN)