Birabongse Bhanudej

Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, known as Prince Bira of Siam, was a distinguished Thai royal who made significant contributions to motorsport and sailing. Born on July 15, 1914, in Bangkok, he pursued education in England at Eton College and briefly at Cambridge University. In the 1930s, Prince Bira embarked on a racing career, achieving notable success, including winning the British Racing Drivers’ Club Gold Star three consecutive times from 1936 to 1938. Post-World War II, he competed in Formula One from 1950 to 1954, participating in 19 World Championship Grands Prix and earning a total of eight championship points.

Beyond racing, Prince Bira was an accomplished sailor, representing Thailand in four Olympic Games between 1956 and 1972. He passed away on December 23, 1985, in London, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in both motorsport and sailing for Thailand.