Ajarn Katha Chinabanchorn, who had the opportunity to serve closely Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, today opens up about his memorable experiences serving her and recounts three unforgettable events.
Impression number one
Ajarn Katha: I actually met Her Royal Highness many times because I had the chance to serve Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali, the Princess Suddhanarinatha, on some occasions. Princess Bajrakitiyabha would also accompany her, or at events organized by the Puean Pueang (Phor), and I must thank Khun Mau Saisom Wongsasulak, a leading Thai social worker who has devoted decades to helping the underprivileged, for kindly giving me the chance to join activities serving the royal family.
These included packing survival bags for the Puean Pueang (Phor) project and other related events.
I recall once when we were packing survival bags, I believe it was at Suphachalasai Stadium. We arrived late, chatting as we walked, speaking loudly. When we reached the packing area, the Red Cross volunteers were quietly packing. I noticed Princess Soamsawali and Princess Bajrakitiyabha sitting among the Red Cross volunteers, dressed just like everyone else.
At that moment, I felt a bit embarrassed for speaking loudly. When I looked at Her Royal Highness, she nodded, acknowledging our arrival. The atmosphere became quiet; no one dared to speak. Then Princess Bajrakitiyabha started a conversation with the princess to lighten the mood and continued chatting. I was impressed by how both princesses were so humble, sitting and working alongside us as an example.
Impression number two
Another occasion was at an event held at the Kulap Palace and Suphachalasai Stadium. Princess Bajrakitiyabha led Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Princess Soamsawali to tour the exhibition booths, including my fortune-telling booth. She spoke about the work, noting that the fortune-tellers had raised a lot of money for donation. Princess Sirindhorn teased, “What if they're not accurate?”
Princess Bajrakitiyabha replied that usually the readings were accurate and people kept returning. “If they were wrong, would you be afraid of getting hit?” she joked. Princess Soamsawali added that many people came to see, and the crowd increased every year. This confirmed the accuracy and created a fun atmosphere with everyone laughing. I was touched to be part of this, as it showed the princess's kindness toward workers and the public, and her skill in using humor to handle situations.
Impression number three
This occurred at the Puean Pueang (Phor) Foundation during our work. Alongside me was Khun Saisom Wongsasulak, then chairman of the Ruam Namjai Against AIDS Foundation, while I was head of fundraising. We worked to raise money to support students at Chalerm Phrakiat 48 Pansa School in Lamphun Province. At that time, if I remember correctly, Her Royal Highness had already been elevated to Princess Bajrakitiyabha (previously a grandchild of the King).
Her Royal Highness presided over our annual fundraising events to support the students at Chalerm Phrakiat School, a tremendous royal grace. We always met our fundraising targets, enabling us to care for the students.
Closing on impressions, love, and reverence
When hearing about Her Royal Highness's illness over these past years, how do you feel both as a citizen and as someone who has served the royal court?
Finally, the famous fortune teller said, “When I first heard the news, I was very shocked. Every year on Her Royal Highness’s birthday or important days, we perform prayers and dedicate blessings to her. I am deeply impressed that although she is a royal princess, the image I always see is her sitting down and working alongside others. This is an impression I will never forget.”