Years after her visits to remote villages, schools and rehabilitation projects, the memories left by Her Royal Highness…

Years after her visits to remote villages, schools and rehabilitation projects, the memories left by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati continue to shape lives across Thailand.

Hundreds of kilometres from Bangkok in Kanchanaburi province, one teacher still recalls the day the princess chose to walk alongside villagers through rugged mountain terrain rather than take an easier route.

For nearly two decades, Praiwan Yapan, widely known as Khru Mod, has taught children at Ban Kong Mong Ta School in Sangkhla Buri district near the Myanmar border.

The journey from the outside world once took more than four hours on foot. During the rainy season, roads disappeared into mud, and access to healthcare, education and supplies became even more difficult.

When the princess first visited the area in 2019 through community development projects supported by the Phubodin Foundation, she immediately began asking questions.

"She asked us how we travelled outside the village," Khru Mod recalled. "When I replied that we walked, she said, 'Then we will walk too'. "

Copter, right, and his mother, Saengraya Sophapatjusamai, show memorial photos of the Princess. (Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen)

The teacher still remembers his surprise when the princess returned and walked through the rugged terrain herself. That visit eventually led to better road access, reducing travel times and making it easier for residents to reach schools, hospitals and government services.

Yet Khru Mod believes the princess's greatest concern was education. "She always asked whether children could continue their studies after finishing school and what opportunities they would have in the future," he said.

Support for student accommodation in Sangkhla Buri district allowed more children from remote villages to continue their education, while improved transport links made it easier for schools to obtain supplies and for healthcare workers to reach communities previously cut off during parts of the year.

As he spoke about the princess, Khru Mod struggled to contain his emotions. He recalled how she regularly checked on sick villagers and paid special attention to children requiring medical treatment.

"She always began with the children," he said. "When she spoke to them, she referred to herself as 'older sister'. "

For Khru Mod, the princess's influence was also deeply personal. "I am wearing this khaki uniform today because of her kindness," he said. "I will continue doing my duty as a teacher for as long as I live."

Perhaps the most poignant memory comes from a child who was too young to understand the significance of the moment when it happened.

In 2019, during one of the princess's visits to the school, a two-year-old boy named Copter ran excitedly towards the royal helicopter. His mother, Saengraya Sophapatjusamai, remembers the scene vividly.

The curious toddler pointed at the aircraft overhead. Smiling, the princess asked whether he wanted to ride in it and promised to take him flying if he could count from one to 10. Moments later, she lifted him into her arms and took him on a short flight above the village.

Today, Copter is a primary school pupil at the same school. A photograph of that day and a cap presented by the princess occupy a special place in the family's home.

"It reminds us of how much happiness she brought to our son," his mother said. When news of the princess's passing reached the village, both mother and child wept.

Praiwan Yapan, left, guides the Princess through an art class during her visit to Ban Kong Mong Ta School in Sangkhlaburi district.  (Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen)

In Trat province, another legacy of the princess can be found behind the walls of Khao Rakam Temporary Prison, where rehabilitation programmes she championed continue to offer inmates a second chance.

Naen Laowakul, commander of Trat Provincial Prison, said the princess first visited the facility in 2010 and returned four times over the following decade.

"She did not see inmates as frightening people whom society should reject. She called them 'people who made mistakes' and believed they deserved an opportunity to rebuild their lives," Mr Naen said.

Through programmes linked to the princess's Kamlangjai (Inspire) Project, the prison has evolved into a learning centre and agro-tourism destination. Each year, selected first-time offenders approaching release spend five months learning practical skills ranging from hydroponic farming and compost production to electrical work, air-conditioner maintenance and durian cultivation.

The impact of her work can still be seen throughout the facility. An exhibition hall, a learning centre and the Inspire by Princess coffee shop -- named by the princess during her most recent visit in 2019 -- continue to provide training for participants preparing to rejoin society.

Across remote communities, prison rehabilitation projects and schools hidden deep in the forest, stories like these are not about grand ceremonies or public appearances.

They are about conversations, encouragement and opportunities -- moments that convinced people someone cared enough to walk beside them, listen to them and help them imagine a different future.

Naen Laowakul, commander of Trat Provincial Prison, shows the Inspire by Princess coffee shop, which was named by the Princess during her most recent visit in 2019. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewklayhong)