An exhibition at Queen Savang Vadhana Museum was recently launched to mark the fifth cycle birthday anniversary of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, which will occur on April 2.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn views the exhibition at Queen Savang Vadhana Museum,escorted by Khun Chavalee Amatyakul, director and secretary of the Queen Savang Vadhana Foundation.
Organised by the Queen Savang Vadhana Foundation, the exhibition compares the life and activities of Queen Savang Vadhana and her great-granddaughter, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the original and current residents of Srapathum Palace.
Both royals have the same interest and dedication to public welfare activities that aim to improve the health, education and livelihood of the people. The exhibition clearly delineates the similarities between the two in their social welfare projects and their support for the country's traditional arts and crafts, indicating how HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has carried on the vision of her great-grandmother.
The exhibition is divided into two parts. The first shows the lives of both royals, from their childhood and education. There is a wonderful selection of images of the Princess, among them photographs of the 1977 royal ceremony to elevate her to the rank of Somdet Phra Theparatana Rajasuda Chao Fah Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Rathasimakunakornpiyachat Sayam Boroma Rajakumari.
The second part of the exhibition relates how Princess Sirindhorn has furthered the vision of her great-grandmother in the fields of education, public health, humanitarian deeds and arts and culture. It ends with the international recognition bestowed by various world organisations for her public service achievements.
The most charming aspect of the exhibition, however, are the display cabinets that show the Princess's personal belongings, all of which indicate her thrifty and self-sufficient lifestyle. Hundreds of empty ballpoint pens are lined up on a canvas as an art installation, showing that the princess uses every pen to the very last drop of ink. Similarly, her crayons were used until they were stubs.
Another shows one of the Princess's favourite cabin bags, nicknamed "Khun Hiew (royal sag bag)" because it had been used until it lost its shape and fell apart.
There are various tape recorders and other recording devices that allowed the Princess to catch up on her lectures as she accompanied Their Majesties the King and Queen on their visits upcountry.
Her first computer — an Apple Macintosh — as well as her first trumpet, are also on display, as is a tin can fiddle, which is placed alongside a picture of her playing it.
Drawing the most smiles of all, however, is a portrait of the Princess in the garden of Srapathum Palace with her residence, Phra Tamnak Mai, in the background.
She is surrounded by her "courtiers" — 18 dogs of various breeds.
 The exhibition at Srapathum Palace is open daily (except Sundays), from 10am-3pm. It runs until April 30.  Entrance fee is 150 baht for adults, and 50 baht for students. Advance booking is required.  Call 02-251-3999 ext 201-202 or visit www.queensavang.org.
A collection of The Beatles dolls, one of the Princess's favourite bands.
'Khun Hiew', a bag used by HRH Princess Sirindhorn until it lost its shape.
A trumpet and recorder belonging to the Princess.
