HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Presides Over Chulalongkorn University’s 2024 Commencement Ceremony on Behalf of His Majesty the King
On Monday, September 29, 2025, at 8:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at the Chulalongkorn University Auditorium, His Majesty the King graciously appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, The Princess Royal, to preside over the Commencement Ceremony on his behalf, for graduates of the 2024 academic year, marking the first day of the conferral ceremonies.
Professor Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council (right)
Professor Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council, and Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, greeted Her Royal Highness upon arrival.
Her Royal Highness entered the reception room of the auditorium and signed the guestbook, before proceeding to the main hall. Professor Dr. Surakiart expressed gratitude for the royal grace, while Professor Dr. Wilert presented Her Royal Highness with a commemorative book honoring distinguished alumni.
The President also announced a royal tribute to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of Bhutan, as Chulalongkorn University has been granted royal permission to bestow upon them honorary Doctor of Arts degrees in the fields of International Development and Sociology and Anthropology, respectively. He also presented the university’s annual report for the 2024 academic year.
During the ceremony, Her Royal Highness conferred honorary doctoral degrees to distinguished individuals in various fields:
- Professor Emeritus Lakshman Samaranayake – Honorary Doctorate in Dental Science
- Mrs. Anocha Chevitsophon– Honorary Doctorate in Law
- Prof. Emeritus Dr. Pirom Kamolratanakul– Honorary Doctorate in Medicine
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naline Nilubol – Honorary Doctorate in Science
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paritud Bhandhubanyong– Honorary Doctorate in Engineering
- Associate Professor Dr. Chainarong Lohachit – Honorary Doctorate in Veterinary Science
Additionally, Her Royal Highness presented:
- Certificates of Recognition to five newly appointed Professor Emeritus
- Certificates of Excellence to three recipients of the Ratchadapisek Sompoch Distinguished Researcher Award
- Her Royal Highness also conferred degrees upon 2,479 graduates of Chulalongkorn University:
- Morning session: 1,334 graduates
- Afternoon session: 1,145 graduates
Breakdown by faculty:
Morning session:
- Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy: 646 graduates
- School of Agricultural Resources: 38 graduates
- Faculty of Political Science: 421 graduates
- Faculty of Nursing: 61 graduates
- Graduate School: 168 graduates
Afternoon session:
Includes recipients of honorary doctorates, Professor Emeritus, and research awards
- Faculty of Science: 595 graduates
- Faculty of Medicine: 380 graduates
- Faculty of Psychology: 170 graduates
After the conferral ceremony, Her Royal Highness delivered a royal address to the graduates, then proceeded to the reception room for a group photo with the honorary doctorate recipients, Professor Emeritus, and University Council members.
Following the ceremony, Chulalongkorn graduates participated in a tribute ceremony honoring King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) at the auditorium.
