HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati told her Thammasat University classmates to call her ‘Bha’ and encouraged them to speak to her without using royal language.
Having studied law alongside her at Thammasat University, Atavit Suwanpakdee wrote this on his Facebook page in a tribute following the princess's passing, adding "I was initially nervous when I learned that a member of the Royal Family would be studying at the faculty," he wrote.
Those concerns quickly disappeared when the princess introduced herself in a friendly and informal manner.
"She said, “My name is ‘Bha’. My friends call me ‘Than’. You don't have to use royal language with me,'" wrote Atavit, now deputy leader of the United Thai Nation Party.
The gesture left a lasting impression and marked the beginning of a friendship that continued through university, studies abroad and their early professional careers.
According to Atavit, Princess Bajrakitiyabha lived much like any other university student, despite her royal status.
She joined friends for meals at local restaurants near Thammasat University's Tha Prachan campus, waited in queues to buy food and participated in student activities, while also carrying out royal duties.
He described her as cheerful, disciplined and approachable, saying she never distanced herself from classmates and was widely admired by friends and seniors alike.
One of his fondest memories involved a student initiation event, organised by their law student group.
Joking that the princess had missed the traditional initiation activities during her first year, he suggested that she take part in a make-up initiation.
When she agreed, fellow students playfully painted her face as part of the festivities.
"She laughed and we laughed. It's a memory I'll never forget," he wrote.
Atavit said the princess was an outstanding student with a remarkable memory and strong academic abilities. After graduating from Thammasat, both continued their studies in the United States.
While Atavit attended university in Boston, Princess Bajrakitiyabha pursued graduate studies at Cornell University, from which she later earned a doctorate.
During a visit to Cornell, he recalled seeing her walking alone through the cold campus carrying a large backpack filled with books.
"She studied hard and had tremendous perseverance," he wrote.
The princess later served as a diplomat at Thailand's mission to the United Nations in New York, before returning to Thailand to work as a public prosecutor.
According to Atavit, she remained humble throughout her career.
Even while serving as a prosecutor, she could occasionally be found having lunch with colleagues at local noodle shops near the Office of the Attorney General.
"Everybody loved her wherever she went," he wrote.
He described Princess Bajrakitiyabha as a source of hope for both King Vajiralongkorn and the Thai people, noting that she excelled as a diplomat, lawyer and military officer.
Atavit expressed deep sorrow over her passing, saying that he will always remember the princess's kindness, intellect and unwavering dedication to serving the nation.
He also shared a photograph of himself with the late princess on Facebook.
