Hospitalisée en juin à l'hôpital Siriraj de Bangkok, elle avait été élevée le 25 décembre à la dignité de Grand Officier de la Légion d'Honneur pour son rôle dans la promotion de la langue française en Thaïlande et pour l'amitié qu'elle a toujours portée à la France.
Le roi Bhumibol Adulyadej (80 ans), immensément révéré en Thaïlande, était très proche de sa soeur à qui il rendait visite quasi-quotidiennement ces derniers mois.
La princesse Galyani avait commencé sa carrière comme professeur de français à l'université Chulalongkorn de Bangkok.
Après une pause professionnelle d'une dizaine d'années, elle avait pris la tête en 1969 du département de français à l'université Thammasat et avait animé plus tard l'Association des professeurs de français en Thaïlande
La soeur du roi avait également consacré beaucoup d'énergie à des projets d'éducation, de santé et de développement rural, notamment dans le nord-est de la Thaïlande.
Elle s'était mariée à deux reprises et avait une fille.
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La soeur aînée du roi de Thaïlande, la princesse Galyani Vadhana, est décédée mercredi à l'âge de 84 ans, a annoncé le palais royal.
La plus âgée des soeurs du monarque thaïlandais était hospitalisée depuis le mois de juin dernier à Bangkok, les médecins lui ayant diagnostiqué un cancer.
Réputée pour sa grande culture artistique, son altesse Galyani Vadhana était notamment une adepte du théâtre et de la musique classique. Elevée en Suisse comme son frère, la princesse parlait cinq langues et se distinguait par son aversion pour les fastes.
"Je déteste les dîners de gala", avait-elle confié en 2000 à un journaliste, soulignant qu'elle trouvait ce genre de protocoles "ennuyeux". AP
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IN REMEMBRANCE OF A PRINCESS
The Thai Nation is in mourning for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, who passed away at 2:54am on January 2 after a battle with cancer. She was 84.
Princess Galyani Vadhana was recognised as a patron of the arts, culture and countless charities, many of which were initiated by Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother.
While the public admired her quiet, low-key royal grace and her dedication to public health and the welfare of the needy, academia had great respect for her intellect, her expertise in French and classical music and her knack for knowledge and teaching.
Serene and regal, the Princess stood among a handful of Thai women of her generation who were thoroughly schooled with a Western education. She was awarded degrees in both science and liberal arts from Lausanne University and in her youth enjoyed numerous adventure sports such as skiing, horse riding and flying.
In the footsteps of the late Princess Mother, the Princess dedicated herself throughout her life to worthy causes, becoming a patron of 63 charitable organisations. Through her simple, down-to-earth style she endeared herself to the public, maintaining classic regality with the least amount of fuss and protocol.
Elder sister of two kings
The eldest daughter of Prince Mahidol of Songkla and the Princess Mother, then Mom Sangwal, Princess Galyani was born in London on May 6, 1923. She was two years older than King Ananda Mahidol, Rama XIII, and four years older than His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX.
On her birth certificate issued in England, the Princess' given name was May. She was later bestowed the royal name Her Serene Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Mahidol by King Vajiravudh, Rama VI.
In 1927, King Prajadhipok, Rama VII, elevated the little Princess to Her Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. She became Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana when King Rama VII abdicated and Princess Galyani's younger brother ascended the throne as King Ananda Mahidol. In 1995, when the Princess turned 72, His Majesty the King elevated her further to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Naradhiwas, or Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra in Thai.
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France President Nicolas Sarkozy has sent condolences to HM the King over the passing away of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.
In his note to HM the King, Sarkozy said he was very saddened by the death of the princess.
On behalf of French government and people, the president said he wished to express condolences to HM the King as well as the royal family members and people of Thailand, according to the statement.
France will never forget the important roles of the Princess in disseminating French language and culture in Thailand as well as her dedications in extending medical, educational and cultural assistance to disadvantages.

