Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, scholar and supporter of archaeology and anthropology and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador meets ICHA Scientific Board Members and showed great interest in European archaeology.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, besides her royal duties, has also put great effort into her studies of history, archaeology and oriental languages. The princess graduated with first-class honours and a gold medal in history, obtained Masters of Arts in Oriental epigraphy, archaeology, Sanskrit and Pali, and a degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
At the same time, Princess Sirindhorn supported and heads an important public organisation with strong academic credentials in Thailand and worldwide. The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC) through the vision of Her Royal Highness has transformed into national institution responsible for systematic gathering, processing and servicing of anthropological data scattered throughout Thailand.
SAC was initiated since 2010 The Key Archaeological Sites in Thailand Database project in order to provide basic information on archaeological sites in Thailand for researchers and the public. It sought to establish a reliable digital resource supported by a comprehensive bibliography. The entries in the database have been carefully selected in order to present both well-known and lesser-known archaeological sites that are meaningful in contexts of Thai history and archaeological heritage. The database provides background on the archaeology, history, and tourism status of each site, and includes old photos from books and articles in addition to recent photos from field surveys.
SAC also leads important projects in the fields like: Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region, Ethnography of Cross-Border Cultures, Multiculturalism, Languages and the interaction between culture and human rights.
On her European tour Thai Princess placed great emphases on archaeology and heritage and visited numerous museums in few countries, with special focus on South East Europe. Princess Sirindhorn meet with ICHA Scientific Board members and discussed the problems of heritage and the possibilities for international cooperation of the professional through UNESCO and through bilateral initiatives. ICHA Scientific Board Chairman Ljuben Tevdovski and Her Royal Highness also spoke about possibilities for future scientific cooperation of ICHA and SAC on different archaeological and ethnological projects.
ICHA Board Members were present on the award giving celebration, where Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Preservation of Minority Children Intangible Cultural Heritage, was presented with Lifetime Achievement Award.