Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand was granted an honorary doctor's degree by the Beijing University Tuesday.

The title was awarded in honor of her contribution to advancing the Sino-Thai cultural exchanges, and her academic achievements in this regard.

Princess Sirindhorn also delivered a speech on Thai culture and the cultural exchanges between Thailand and China.

The princess started her month-long study at Beijing University on February 14, 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. She has written several books about China and 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 award.

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

(Xinhua 03/13/2001)