Princess Sirindhorn delivers a speech in a seminar entitled "The 60-year Reform and Development of New China," held in Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, on Oct 22, 2009. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

The Confucius Institute in Chulalongkorn University, which opened on March 26, 2007, is the first Confucius Institute jointly established and managed by China and Thailand, which embodied the princess's high expectations. Since then, the cooperation between the two countries in setting up Confucius Institutes and classrooms has undergone a smooth and fast development. Up to now, the number of Confucius Institutes and classrooms in Thailand is higher than any other foreign country. Thousands of volunteers from China head for Thailand each year to teach Chinese language.

Princess Sirindhorn also loves literature, and during her time spent learning Chinese in China, she translated many works written by Chinese writers, like Wang Meng and Fang Fang, which greatly helped Thai readers learn about China's politics and society. More importantly, Princess Sirindhorn visits China frequently. Her footprints can be found in a large area of China, ranging from Beijing to Tibet, from eastern coastal areas to the northwestern interior.

"Princess Sirindhorn has visited China 28 times in 28 years, once a year on average. As she says, her visits to China are so frequent that it's like "visiting relatives." She has also written several books after coming back from China. All the Thai TV stations give detailed reports about her itinerary, which makes more Thai people recognize China and also helps Chinese people get a deeper understanding of Thailand. Some Chinese told me that Princess Sirindhorn is the reason they chose to learn Thai, and of course many Thai students hold similar views. In this sense, the princess plays a crucial role in promoting Chinese language as well as communication and friendship between two nations," Professor Fu said.