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Favorite Menu Stories: Princess Bajrakitiyabha Reflects a Simple Prosecutor’s Down-to-Earth Lifestyle

Food12 Jun 2026 09:02 GMT+7

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Favorite Menu Stories: Princess Bajrakitiyabha Reflects a Simple Prosecutor’s Down-to-Earth Lifestyle

The simplicity and approachability of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, Krom Luang Rajsarinisiri Patchra, the Great Vajraratchathida, or "Princess Ba" are not temporary traits but reflect an intrinsic quality clearly evident through her approach to work throughout history—especially when she chose the legal profession and became a prosecutor, a civil servant among thousands who closely encountered the hardships of ordinary people.

From Provincial Prosecutor to Royal Duties for the People

Looking back at her legal career, after earning a doctorate from Cornell University in the United States, she entered the Office of the Attorney General and later served as Assistant Prosecutor and Deputy Prosecutor of Udon Thani Province (2008–2009), including working in Nong Bua Lamphu Province.

Her service in the northeastern region marks a significant period during which she deeply experienced local ways of life, customs, and the social realities of the community.

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"Favorite Menus" at the Dining Table and the Down-to-Earth Prosecutor’s Lifestyle

While serving as a prosecutor in Udon Thani, colleagues and local residents alike recall her modesty. She preferred to have lunch with other civil servants and prosecutors without requiring a separate dining arrangement.

Frequently appearing on the menu were traditional Isan dishes such as som tam (papaya salad), grilled chicken, larb (spicy minced meat salad), and sticky rice—authentic local flavors. Beyond her fondness for these dishes, dining together informally helped build rapport, enabling subordinates and colleagues to report case facts to her candidly.

A Closer Look at 3 Favorite Dishes: Local Flavors That Captured Her Heart

Favorite MenuDistinctive FeaturesConnection to Lifestyle
1. Isan Cuisine (som tam, grilled chicken, sticky rice)Spicy, authentic local flavors without special embellishmentsDuring her tenure as a prosecutor in Udon Thani
2. Chili pastes and boiled vegetablesEmphasis on fresh and boiled vegetables, promoting healthFocus on physical health and exercise
3. Royal Project / Doi Kham productsJuices and organic ingredients from local communitiesSupporting income for Thai farmers

1. Spicy Isan dishes (som tam, grilled chicken, sticky rice)

When she served in the Isan region, Princess Ba greatly enjoyed local foods, especially som tam, grilled chicken, larb, and sticky rice. She favored the traditional, robust, and well-balanced flavors. It is said she ate these dishes with her staff effortlessly and without formality.

2. Chili pastes and boiled vegetables: a healthy menu for her well-being

As a modern royal who consistently cared about exercise and health—enjoying marathon running and cycling—her dining table often featured various chili pastes accompanied by boiled and fresh vegetables. These simple, easily digestible dishes provided complete nutrition.

3. Products from the Royal Project and Doi Kham

She played a vital role in supporting Thai products. Among beverages and snacks, she favored ready-to-drink fruit juices, dried fruits, and safe vegetable ingredients from the Royal Project and Doi Kham. Whenever visiting remote areas, she introduced and encouraged locals to consume these healthy products.

"She was very easy to please. Whatever lunch the prosecutors had, she would eat the same. Som tam and grilled chicken were the most frequently rotated dishes on the table, and she was always happy to dine with everyone." (Account from a former official of the Udon Thani Provincial Prosecutor's Office)

From the Dining Plate to Service Elevating People's Lives

The simplicity of these favorite dishes clearly reflects Princess Ba’s philosophy in her work. She used "ordinaryness" as a bridge to connect with the people, gaining insight into their lifestyle, living conditions, and true needs. This understanding propelled her to lead various royal initiatives, such as the "Friends in Need (of 'Pa')" Foundation and the "Kumlungjai" project, which focus on providing opportunities and basic assistance to the poor and vulnerable in society. She emphasized incorporating the understanding of "simplicity and basic necessities" into project designs, stressing vocational training, mental development, and sustainable reintegration into society.

  • Legal and Human Rights Advocacy She advanced the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules), earning international recognition.
  • Disaster Relief She urged the foundation to adopt proactive work, including flood monitoring, relief efforts, and community livelihood restoration after crises.

These stories about favorite dishes and humble manners are not merely personal lifestyle anecdotes but reflect her diligence and deep, enduring bond with the people and the land of Thailand.