Revisiting the joy of “Nong Mew,” a young graduate, as she recalls the memorable day she received her degree from “Princess Pa,” who instructed her to lift her head, look at her face, and smile without worry.
On 13 June 2026 GMT+7, reporters visited the home of Ms. Waraporn, or “Mew” Soysane, from Thung Wang Subdistrict, Satuek District, Buriram Province. She is a petite disabled woman who once impressed many when she received her degree personally from Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha during the royal degree conferment ceremony for Buriram Rajabhat University graduates of academic years 2017–2019 on 21 September 2022 GMT+7. Currently, she works at the Government Savings Bank, Satuek branch.
Ms. Waraporn tearfully shared that the memory of receiving the royal degree remains vivid and never fades. As a scholarship student of Her Majesty the Queen, the Queen Grandmother, she was determined to receive the degree just like other graduates, to pay her respects and keep it as the highest honor of her life.
She explained that although she graduated with second-class honors and was originally scheduled to receive her degree among the first graduates, her physical limitations led the organizers to place her last in the order and possibly not announce her honors in the usual way. She accepted this because the most important thing was to have an audience with the Princess and admire her royal grace.
During rehearsals, officials assessed that she should use a wheelchair; however, the wheelchair's armrest might block the view during the degree ceremony. Her supervising teacher contacted the Princess’s entourage, and the Princess kindly decreed that she could walk to the audience, as the Princess would be seated and waiting.
Officials also worried that her small stature might make it difficult for her to reach to receive her degree, so they proposed a raised platform to stand on. When she expressed doubts about stepping onto the platform due to her physical limitations, the entourage reported this to the Princess again. The Princess graciously ordered that arrangements be made according to her convenience and wishes, saying it was enough for her to walk as close as possible.
Additionally, the Princess decreed that an announcement be made stating that she graduated with second-class honors, and allowed her to look up at the Princess’s face and smile without worry, which deeply touched her even during rehearsals.
On the actual day of the degree ceremony, although thousands of graduates received their degrees, when it was her turn as the last graduate, she tried to walk as close to the throne as possible before the Princess leaned forward and personally conferred the degree, smiling and nodding at her—an unforgettable moment of deep impression.
Ms. Waraporn said that from that day to this, she truly believes that the "Hand of Love" of the Princess reached out to her, seeing the efforts of a small person who, despite physical limitations, never gave up on obstacles.
After graduation and starting work at the Government Savings Bank, she closely followed news about the Princess’s health conditions, praying for her recovery. When rumors circulated the previous night, she hoped they were not true.
When official news was announced in the morning, she felt deeply saddened. With tears, she said she wanted to express once more her love and utmost reverence for the Princess, who will always remain in her memory. She respectfully bids farewell to Her Majesty, sending her to heaven with indescribable sorrow.