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Published on January 4, 2008

In his letter to His Majesty, Sarkozy said he was very saddened by the death of the Princess and was extending condolences on behalf of the French government and people to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand.

The Princess played an important role in France, disseminating the French language and culture in Thailand as well as her dedication in extending medical, educational and cultural assistance to the disadvantaged, the letter said.

She taught French and literature at many universities after her return from Switzerland, even though she had graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Lausanne. The Princess was also head of the Department of Foreign Languages at Thammasat University. A lifelong Francophile, the Princess founded the Association of Teachers of French in Thailand, which she led from 1977 to 1981.

Burma's leader Senior General Than Shwe has also extended his condolences to the King, according to the state-run newspaper The New Light of Myanmar.

The Nation