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Xi’an Jiaotong University names Princess Sirindhom honorary professor
By Lu Hongyan (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-04-09 16:06

XI’AN: Princess Maha Chakri-Sirindhom of the Kingdom of Thailand was hired as an honorary professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University in the capital of Shaanxi Province Tuesday morning.

Sirindhom, who is fluent in English, French, and Chinese, has visited China 26 times since 1981, including four visits to Shaanxi.

As an outstanding messenger on cultural exchanges between Thailand and China, the Princess has a strong passion for traditional Chinese literature, having translated more than 100 Chinese poems written in the Tang and Song dynasties (AD618-1279) into Thai.

Princess Sirindhom has made great achievements in the study of contemporary Chinese literature. She has translated and published master Chinese writers Wang Meng’s collection of novels “Butterfly” and Fang Fang’s “Natural and Smooth Writing” into Thai, helping Thai readers understand contemporary Chinese politics and society.

Speaking at the ceremony to receive her honorary title, the Princess said she felt tremendous changes in Xi’an after her absence of eight years. “People [here] live peacefully and happily. The ancient city abounds in greenery and shows hope for the future,” she said.

China Daily Shaanxi Bureau