Thai princess makes flying visit to NZ

Thailand's Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday visited the birthplace of writer Katherine Mansfield in Wellington during the first day of a three-day visit.

Following her visit to the Tinakori Rd landmark she went to the Museum of Wellington City and Sea on Queens Wharf, before meeting members of the local Thai community at the Westpac St James Theatre.

Today, Princess Sirindhorn will tour exhibits at Te Papa before travelling to Palmerston North.

The daughter of Thailand's King Bhumipol Adulyadej, Princess Sirindhorn, 40, is an authority on nutrition and education, with a doctorate in development education.

In Palmerston North she will visit Massey University's Palmerston North campus where she will meet Thai students and have the opportunity to discuss research projects being carried out by Thai postgraduate students.

Massey has for many years hosted Thai undergraduate and postgraduate students studying horticulture and agriculture.

Tomorrow the princess and her party will visit Auckland University before flying home.

- NZPA