An opportunity to meet Thailand's Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is creating a stir among members of Hawai'i's small Thai community.

"She's a representative from our king," said Rojjana Klenchaya, a University of Hawai'i student. "It's a very high honor for us Thai students."

The princess will meet with residents, expatriates and university students during her two-day visit to accept the East-West Center's Asia-Pacific Community Building Award tomorrow night on behalf of her father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

On Saturday, she will rededicate the rebuilt teak pavilion, called a sala, that was originally a gift from her parents.

"The visit will enable all of us to touch on our roots," said Pongsuwan Bilmes, who came to Hawai'i in 1973 when her husband joined the faculty at UH. "The princess is very well loved by all. She is very down to earth (and) speaks six languages."

There are an estimated 1,800 Thais living in Hawai'i.

University of Hawai'i assistant professor Poranee Natadecha-Sponsel, who had met the princess once before, said e-mails and phone calls have been flying among local Thais.

They are all concerned about dressing properly and how to behave before royalty, said Natadecha-Sponsel, who has lived in Hawai'i since 1978.

"It's a big deal for many Thai people," Natadecha-Sponsel said. "The princess is very approachable and you don't feel stiff or anything. You can ask her questions."

The princess is known as a scholar of the arts and a benefactor of many Thai and cultural projects, said Yuphaphann Hoonchamlong, University of Hawai'i professor of Indo-Pacific Languages and Literature.

Sirindhorn, third in line to the Thai throne, was last in Hawai'i in 1992 when she visited Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.