[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PRINCESS MAHA CHAKRI SIRINDHORN--60TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 2015

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join millions of people in 
Thailand--the United States' oldest ally in Asia--to celebrate Her 
Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 60th birthday, which 
will occur on April 2nd. Princess Sirindhorn is the third child of King 
Bhumibol Adulyadej, and the only foreign monarch to be born on the U.S. 
mainland.
  Born in 1955, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has followed closely in her 
parents' footsteps, traveling across Thailand to hear Thai's problems 
and respond with royal development projects.
  By 1980, she was launching her own development projects, initially 
focused on disadvantaged and malnourished children. Aside from 
providing immediate assistance, she promoted integrated farming for 
overall resilience and more sustainable sources of nutrition. Public 
health has remained a lifelong concern: the Princess is the President 
of the Thai Red Cross Society and chairperson of the Prince Mahidol 
Foundation, which bestows globally recognized awards for achievements 
in public health and medicine.
  Princess Sirindhorn soon expanded her projects to encompass 
education, increasing access for children in need so they would have 
better opportunities in life. Her approach and philosophy are deeply 
rooted in human rights and self-sufficiency.
  ``Those at the margins of society have rights to a good standard of 
living. Access to education is a fundamental human right. Education 
provides opportunities to learn and live sufficiently. Knowledge can be 
valued resources to help others or the community,'' she has said.
  Her more than 100 projects are aimed at improving livelihoods, 
raising the status of women, helping the disabled, protecting the 
environment and wildlife. Many have been supported by agencies such as 
FAO, WHO, and Johns Hopkins University.
  The scholarships she grants to students are helping to nurture and 
create new generations of talented Thais dedicated to public service. 
Tech savvy and up to date on information technology, the Princess 
promotes Thailand's traditional culture and arts among the younger 
generation.
  Through her hard work and dedication, the Princess has earned 
endearment and respect from the Thai people, who fondly called her 
``Princess Angel''. I join them in celebrating the auspicious occasion 
of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 60th birthday 
and wishing her good health.

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