Her Royal Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (Thai: สมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดา เจ้าฟ้ามหาจักรีสิรินธร รัฐสีมาคุณากรปิยชาติ สยามบรมราชกุมารี - Som det phra thep phra rat raat cha su daa Chao fa Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Ratha si ma ku na korn pi ya chat Siam ba rom ma raat cha ku maa ree), of the Chakri Dynasty, was born on April 2, 1955. She is the third child of Their Majesties the King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. For Thais, Crown Princess Sirindhorn is better known as Phra Thep (Thai: พระเทพ).
In Thailand, she is often referred to as Princess of Technology, as well as Princess of Information Technology due to her interest and expertise in applying technologies for the country's development.
Besides her interest in technology, she holds degrees in linguistics (in Pali, Sanskrit, and Khmer) and a doctorate in Educational Development. She speaks English, French, and Chinese, and is learning German and Latin. Crown Princess Sirindhorn also has a very good knowledge of Chinese culture, as well as other oriental cultures. In recent years, she has paid many visits to China, officially and privately, for her studies of Chinese culture.
Due to her interest in culture, technology, and education, there are a number of academic and research institutions in Thailand that have been granted the use of HRH Sirindhorn's name. She enjoys the widespread admiration of the Thai people and is considered her father's intellectual successor.