Young actor Ak Akarat Nimitchai opened up to Thairath Entertainment about his feelings and loyalty toward Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendirathepwarawadi, Princess Rajasarinisiri Patcharamahawatcharajadee. He recalled that during the time of her illness, he was ordained at Wat Saket.
Originally intending to ordain for studying Buddhist teachings, upon hearing the news, he felt compelled to do something good for her and decided to dedicate all the merit as a royal offering. He also shared his admiration for her abilities and recalled an occasion when he spoke with hill tribe people about welcoming members of the royal family.
It is known that you once ordained to dedicate merit for a royal cause?
“That happened right after the incident. Actually, it was my second ordination at Wat Saket. Initially, I ordained on my own will, but when my ordination period was ending, news about Her Royal Highness came out. I felt I could do something for her, so I dedicated the merit as a royal offering for Princess Bajrakitiyabha.
At that time, I was still in the monk's robes, focusing on studying the Dhamma and on my ordination. But when the news about her broke, I was about to sleep and saw it on the news. At first, I thought someone was playing a trick because such an event seemed unlikely, considering her health and her military background—she looked strong. But after reading more and asking close people, it was confirmed to be true.”
Have you been following the news all along? Did you offer well-wishes in person?
“I sent support constantly and dedicated merit to her. That was a small thing I could do. I didn’t go to the hospital or offer blessings in person, but I believe that through practice and accumulating merit, I can help in some way. I can send positive energy through my good deeds to her.”
How long did you ordain for?
“About 16 days. During that time, I talked with the monk teaching me, and he explained the Dhamma—that in the worldly way, everyone is attached and does not want such things to happen, but in the Dhamma perspective, everything is predetermined with causes and conditions. Did I understand that fully then? No, I wasn’t strong enough to accept that everything was meant to happen.”
Sometimes I felt uneasy reading the news, wanting to know if she had arrived at the hospital or how her treatment was going. My mind was full of questions. But in the end, I remembered the monk’s words: every event has its causes.”
As a subject of the kingdom, did you want to do your best for her?
“Yes. I grew up watching royal news on TV with my grandparents. I saw all the royal family members working, especially Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who felt like an elder sister. We saw her, my grandfather, and my father working hard. I don’t know when the bond started, but every night I remember watching royal news with my grandparents, absorbing it all. So when something happened, it felt like losing a family member.”
Have you followed her royal duties and various projects?
“Yes, she was a very capable and strong woman. That’s why I couldn’t believe such an event could happen. From her personal projects to her efforts during flood relief, helping villagers and delivering aid, she could have just been a beautiful princess, but she chose to be a role model—a royal developer. The Friends in Need (Phuen Phueng [Pha]) project showed that the people could rely on her.”
Anyone who has seen or grown up witnessing her brilliance will surely keep her in their hearts. At the very least, she sets an example that one’s true value lies in their actions.”
Would you like to speak about your bond with her?
“Oh, I’ve never spoken about this before, but since childhood, through my grandparents and learning about royal duties in school, adults taught me to stand for the national anthem and to pay respects when seeing royal portraits. As a child, I only understood that much. But when I grew up and traveled to remote places, like the mountains, and met hill tribe people, they all spoke with one voice about waiting to welcome Her Royal Highness. The journey was hard, but when I talked to the hill tribes, they told me with shining eyes about the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see her.”
When I travel, I like talking to hill tribe people because I never had the chance to wait for a royal reception like that. But they all had firsthand experience, bringing offerings to her. It’s nourishment for their hearts. Everyone was happy when the King and many royal family members visited. Those places have changed. They used to grow opium there, but now you won’t see that. They have old photos showing what it used to be like. It’s not just written records; there’s evidence to see—if you choose to see it.”
Would you say you follow in her footsteps?
“All the royal family members are talented with their own merits and excel in different areas. Not everyone has to be a developer or travel everywhere. They do what they’re best at but always for the benefit of people, society, and the public. I believe Her Royal Highness will always be in our hearts.”
Will you do anything more for her or join related activities?
“If there are activities related to her, I will participate. Usually, when there are events or exhibitions for her 908 projects, I visit the booths. I do my part, and every Thai person does their best. We hold on to what is good as an example and love each other more.”
Anything you want to say to Her Royal Highness?
“All of us Thai people will love each other and be good subjects to the King. No need to worry. Everyone knows their duty and will do it better and better.”
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