Thailand is mourning the loss of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who passed away at the age of 47 after a prolonged illness that kept her hospitalized for more than three years.
The announcement was made by the Bureau of the Royal Household on Friday, confirming that the princess died peacefully on Thursday evening after her health continued to deteriorate due to complications arising from an abdominal infection.
Known affectionately throughout Thailand as “Princess Bha,” she had been receiving intensive medical care since December 2022, when she suddenly collapsed and was admitted to hospital. Over the years that followed, her condition remained critical, with royal officials periodically providing updates on her health.
In its most recent statement issued in May, the Royal Household revealed that the princess was dependent on advanced medical equipment to support her lung and kidney functions and required ongoing medication as doctors continued efforts to stabilize her condition.
Following her passing, royal officials announced that Princess Bajrakitiyabha will lie in state at Grand Palace, where members of the royal family, government officials, and members of the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects. Funeral ceremonies will be conducted with the highest honours in accordance with Thai royal tradition.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and respected members of Thailand’s royal family. The only child from King Vajiralongkorn’s first marriage to Princess Soamsawali, she combined royal responsibilities with an impressive professional career in law, diplomacy, and public service.
Her academic achievements included studies in Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She earned a law degree from Cornell University and later pursued a distinguished career as a prosecutor, diplomat, and advocate for social justice.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria and held several positions connected to the United Nations. She became particularly recognized for her work supporting women’s rights and promoting better living conditions and rehabilitation opportunities for women in correctional institutions.
Throughout her career, she demonstrated a commitment to public service that extended well beyond ceremonial duties. Her legal background and international experience earned her respect both within Thailand and abroad.
As a senior member of the Thai monarchy, Princess Bajrakitiyabha occupied an important position in a society where the royal institution continues to hold profound cultural and constitutional significance. She was widely viewed as being especially close to her father and was appointed to a senior role within the royal bodyguard command shortly before her sudden illness in 2022.
Her death also brings renewed attention to questions surrounding the future succession of the Thai monarchy. King Vajiralongkorn, now 73, has seven children from four marriages but has not formally identified an heir. While succession laws traditionally favour male descendants, discussions about the royal succession remain highly sensitive in Thailand.
Thailand maintains some of the world’s strictest lèse-majesté laws, which impose severe penalties for criticism of the monarchy and limit public discussion of royal matters.
The passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha marks the end of a remarkable life devoted to public service, diplomacy, law, and humanitarian causes. Across Thailand, tributes are expected to recognize her contributions to justice reform, women’s empowerment, and her steadfast dedication to the nation and the monarchy.
As the country enters a period of mourning, many Thais will remember Princess Bha not only as a royal figure but also as a highly educated professional, diplomat, and advocate who used her position to advance important social causes and represent Thailand on the international stage