HRH Princess Sirivannavari receives top French honour

France has awarded the ‘Grand Officier de la Légion d'Honneur’ to HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya in recognition of her contributions to promoting French culture, the French art de vivre, and the longstanding friendship between France and Thailand.

The decoration was presented on May 22 by France’s Culture Minister Catherine Pégard, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry.

In her remarks, Pégard praised the Princess for her work, honouring her role as an individual of exceptional ability and dedication whose efforts have helped promote French culture and art de vivre, as well as the enduring friendship between France and Thailand.

Princess Sirivannavari expressed her appreciation for French hospitality, arts and culture, particularly in the textile and design industries, which closely relate to her own work.

She highlighted France’s cultural richness, beauty and unique identity, linking them to the preservation of cultural heritage, the promotion of fine arts, the advancement of culture and the development of Thailand’s creative industries, all of which she said she has consistently prioritised.

The Princess said France’s distinctive cultural identity and artistic excellence continue to inspire her work and cultural initiatives in Thailand.

Among those attending the ceremony were Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Culture Minister Sabida Thaised and Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, the French ambassador to Thailand.

Anutin was in France on a week-long visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.