Although the monarchy of Thailand is constitutional, which means its power is limited, the royal family has earned the respect and reverence of the Thai people. Even in the United States, Thai business owners respectfully display the portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Regent Sirikit.

Although I was born in the United States, even I was deeply honored when Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, the eldest child, visited our family restaurant in 2001 just prior to permanently returning home to Thailand. It was not the only time she dined here; she visited several times for lunch as well.

The Princess had always fascinated me when I was growing up for another reason. She had relinquished her royal titles to marry an American citizen whom she had met at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.). The reason it interested me is because she had felt so passionately about marrying without her family's consent, she was willing to give up so much.

Although the marriage did not last forever, her decision meant something to me and, perhaps, other young Thai people in the United States. Her decision represented that even Thai people, with our strong bonds to family, always have a choice to retain or break from the traditions of our people.

That might not seem like much to other Americans, who are used to breaking from old traditions. But it means something to Thai people. It means our desire to honor those traditions is made that much stronger.

It helped me, because while I earned my position as general manager of Kung Fu Plaza working my way up from my first job as dishwasher (a story for another time), I was not bound to do so. It was my own choice, and I am proud to have made it.

As many Thai people know, a few years after her divorce and another personal tragedy, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya has embarked on a path with a happier beginning. She was granted the title Tunkramom Ying, which alludes to her original status.

Two years ago, she also performed in the Thai film Where The Miracle Happens. She portrays a woman named Pimdao, who begins a life of philanthropy after the death of her only daughter, in the film. You can see a picture of her here in a LIFE photograph.

She still visits the United States regularly. We look forward to seeing her again, one day, in Las Vegas.