Princess Chulabhorn Walailak of Thailand is the youngest child of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Sirikit Kitiyakara. She was born on July 4, 1957 in Bangkok.
Like her elder siblings, she attended the Chitralada School in the Dusit Palace complex. Following her secondary education, she attended Kasetart University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry in 1979. She continued her studies in organic chemistry at Mahidol University, receiving her doctorate in 1985.
In 1982, Princess Chulabhorn married Virayudh Tishyasarin, an Air Vice Marshal in the Royal Thai Air Force. By special compensation from her father, she retained her royal title and style. The marriage ended in divorce two years later. They have two daughters:
– Princess Siribhachudhabhorn – known as Princess Ribha (1982)
– Princess Adityadhornkitikhun – known as Princess Dita (1984)
In 1987, she established the Chulabhorn Research Institute where she serves as president. A recipient of the UNESCO Einstein Award in 1986, she is also an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom. In addition to her scientific and education work, the princess is a classically trained musician.