Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand started her month-long study at Beijing University as of Wednesday, sponsored by a Chinese culture studies scholarship.

As an old friend of the Chinese people, Princess Sirindhorn has a strong interest in Chinese history, language and culture. The Princess has written several books about China and has translated a number of Chinese poems and stories into other languages.

In March 2000, Princess Sirindhorn was conferred a language, culture and friendship award by the Chinese Ministry of Education. She was the first recipient of that prize.

Princess Sirindhorn had visited China 12 times but to study at Beijing University has long been her "dream for years".

She was greeted at the airport by Vice-Chairwoman Qian Zhengying of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-Minister of Education Wei Yu.

(Xinhua 02/15/2001)