Thai Princess, Japanese Style

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand is a respected and beloved figure in her native country for all of the work she does for the people, her many charities and her "hands on" attitude to getting things done. She is also an example of the bonds of friendship between the Thai Royal Family and the Imperial Family of Japan. She has been awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown by HM the Emperor (in 1991) and in February of this year opened a special exhibition in Thailand about two Japanese individuals who played an important part in the court life of Siam in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya period, one lady as a chef and one samurai as a military adventurer of the old style.

Japan and Thailand

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress with 

King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress are escorted by

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn of Thailand

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress greet

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

Japan and Thailand have long had a close friendship. In the distant past interactions were fewer but developed more over time, particularly with Japan and Thailand having the distinction of being the only countries in East Asia never ruled by a European power. During World War II there was an alliance between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Empire of Japan. The Japanese mediated an end to the war between French Indochina and Thailand which saw the return of disputed territories to Thailand. When British forces bombed Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand declared war on the United Kingdom and United States in solidarity with Japan. Thailand also gained four provinces in northern Malaysia after the Japanese drove out the British forces from the region. This was the last period of expansion for Thailand. In the years since the war, both countries have cooperated in international relations often highlighted by the friendly relationship between the two sacred monarchies of the Thai Royal Family and the Imperial Family of Japan.