BURIRAM — A woman whose graduation photo with Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati became widely shared on social media has paid tribute to the late Princess, recalling a moment of kindness she says she will never forget.
Waraporn Sroisen, a woman with a physical disability from Satuek district in Buriram province, said she was deeply saddened by the passing of the Princess, who died peacefully on 11 June at the age of 47.
Speaking through tears on Saturday, Waraporn said the memory of receiving her degree from the Princess during a graduation ceremony at Buriram Rajabhat University in September 2022 remains vivid.
Waraporn, who graduated with second-class honours and now works at the Government Savings Bank branch in Satuek, said she had been determined to attend the degree ceremony despite the challenges posed by her condition.
According to Waraporn, organisers adjusted the order of graduates because of her physical limitations, allowing her to receive her degree towards the end of the ceremony.
She recalled that as she approached the stage, the Princess noticed she would have difficulty reaching the degree certificate and graciously leaned down to present it to her.
“The image of Her Royal Highness bending down towards me remains in my heart,” Waraporn said. “I felt that her hand reached out to someone small like me who never gave up despite physical limitations.”
Waraporn said the Princess had long been her role model because of her dedication, knowledge and public service. She credited that inspiration with motivating her to complete her studies and secure employment.
After graduating, she continued to follow updates on the Princess’s health and prayed for her recovery. When reports of the Princess’s death began circulating, she hoped they would prove untrue.
“When the official announcement came, it was difficult to accept,” she said. “She was my idol. I will always remember her.”
The death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha has prompted an outpouring of grief across Thailand, with many people sharing memories of her public service and personal acts of kindness.