Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha has died at the age of 47 after spending more than three years in a coma, the Royal Household announced on Friday.The princess had been unconscious since December 2022, when she collapsed while exercising her dogs. Medical experts later attributed the incident to a severe heart rhythm disorder caused by a mycoplasma infection that affected her heart.
In a statement, the palace said Princess Bajrakitiyabha passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok on Thursday evening despite receiving extensive medical care from a team of specialists.Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished members of the Thai royal family, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest child of King Vajiralongkorn. Throughout her career, she built a reputation for public service, law, and international diplomacy.
She earned postgraduate law degrees from Cornell University in the United States and worked with Thailand’s mission to the United Nations before serving in the Attorney-General’s Office. Between 2012 and 2014, she served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, where she developed strong ties with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The princess was also known for her advocacy on criminal justice reform, particularly focusing on the welfare of women in prison. Her efforts earned international recognition, and she later served as the UNODC’s Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia.
In 2021, King Vajiralongkorn appointed her Chief of Staff of his private bodyguard unit, granting her the rank of general.Her death has renewed attention on the future succession of the Thai monarchy. Although Thai tradition generally favors a male heir, constitutional provisions allow for a woman to ascend the throne. Princess Bajrakitiyabha had often been viewed by royal observers as a capable figure who could have played a significant role in the monarchy’s future.
King Vajiralongkorn has not publicly named an official heir, leaving questions about the royal succession unresolved.Tributes have begun pouring in from across Thailand and beyond, with many remembering Princess Bajrakitiyabha for her dedication to public service, legal reform, and humanitarian causes.
Her passing marks the end of a distinguished life of service and leaves a significant void within Thailand’s royal family.
