Princess Diaries

By Wannapa Phetdee
Published on October 19, 2009

Bhutanese Princess Yiwang Pindarica, 21, leads a simple life in Thailand...

Years ago, when Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Nam-gyel Wangchuck - the fifth Dragon King of Bhutan - visited the Kingdom, Thais expressed great admiration for him. But how many people know that his lovely cousin, Her Highness Princess Yiwang Pindarica, is a student in Thailand?

The 21-year-old Princess has been studying at Webster University Thailand in Hua Hin for the past two-and-a-half years, while her twin sister Her Highness Princess Namsay Kumutha is a student at the University of British Columbia, Canada.

"Thailand is like a second home to me," Princess Yiwang Pindarica told Daily Xpress and other Thai media during a recent interview. "I chose Thai-land because I'm quite familiar with the country and Thailand is not very far from Bhutan."

Makes up her own room

Being in such an exalted position as a princess, ordinary folks may think the Bhutanese Princess stays in a luxurious residence with many attendants ready to serve her. But she usually makes up her room herself and uses just a two-row passenger truck when she goes shopping. She lives a simple life. Also, her lecturer says the Princess does everything at the university herself and is treated the same as other students.

Loves Som Tam

The Princess savours Thai food, with Som Tam (spicy papaya salad) being her favourite dish. In fact, she has also cooked Som Tam and Bhutanese food on a television programme.

She likes playing badminton, basketball and volleyball, and is a fan of Manchester United, with her favourite player being Rio Ferdinand. She also loves to read and sometimes watches movies.

Since she studies Media Communications, which focusses on advertising, the Princess's goal after graduation is to improve the media in Bhutan.

"We are a democratic constitutional monarchy and the media is treated with much more leniency than before. I can help improve our media using the knowledge I gain here."

The Princess aims to promote her country's scenery, rich culture and traditions, as Bhutanese people are very welcoming, friendly and - like Thais - love their King.

She said that after gaining working experience for a few years she would probably come back to study for a master degree in Media Commu-nications.

Source: THE NATION