Urasenke Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV received H.R.H. Princess Chulabhorn and her husband,
Dr. Chaichon LOCHAREMKUL, for tea at Konnichian on October 11, 2001, during
their four-day royal visit to the Osaka area. Princess Chulabhorn is the younger
daughter of King Bhumibhol, and is the founder and president of the Chulabhorn
Research Institute.This day's visit was the third occasion for her to come to
Konnichian, the first time having been in 1981, together with her mother, Queen
Sirikit, and the second time, in 1987.
The Grand Master was out in front of the Kabutomon gate to greet
the Princess and her husband as their motorcade arrived. They were accompanied by
an entourage of twenty-nine, including Ambassador and Madam Sakthip KRAIRIKSH of
the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo, and Consul-General and Mrs. Chakarin CHAYABONGSE
of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Osaka. Inviting them, and also Dr. Khunying
Mathuroj JIRAWAT and Dr. Supanna TECHASAKUL of the Chulabhorn Institute, to be seated
in the Totsutotsusai tearoom of the Konnichian tearoom complex, the Grand Master prepared tea for them there. Former Midorikai
student Pongpan Pornsamurpak, who teaches chado at the Ritsumeikan Asia
Pacific University in Kyushu, was at the Grand Master's side to provide interpretation.
The Grand Master was pleased to also introduce everyone to the latest Midorikai
student from Thailand, Kanapat RUENPIROM.
The Urasenke head family has been closely acquainted with the Thai royal
family for nearly four decades. In January 2001, on the occasion of the 20th
anniversary of the Urasenke Bangkok Chapter, Grand Master Sen presented a tea
offering at Wat Pra Keaw, the guardian temple of the Thai Royal Family.
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