Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand, a lawyer and the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has died at the age of 47. The Bureau of the Royal Household announced her passing on Friday, stating she died Thursday evening at a Bangkok hospital. She had been in care since falling unconscious due to illness three years ago.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the nation, expressing deep grief over her loss. He hailed the princess as “a pride of Thailand” and noted her dedication to promoting kindness, justice, and equality. Her contributions, the Prime Minister said, serve as a moral legacy for future generations.
The princess will lie in state at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Her funeral will include the highest honors in line with royal tradition. An earlier report from May indicated her health had declined and she required support for lung and kidney functions.
Mourners gathered at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital with photos of the princess. One mourner, Pattamaporn Kaewkityakorn, shared her shock and sadness after staying overnight to support the princess.
Bajrakitiyabha was active in justice reform, notably known for her Kamlangjai project, which aimed to rehabilitate incarcerated Thai women. Her hospitalization began in December 2022 following a sudden illness during a training exercise.
Her royal name, Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, was used for formal state functions. Speculations had arisen about her potential role in the royal line of succession.
Born to Prince Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsawali on December 7, 1978, Bajrakitiyabha pursued law at Thammasat University and later at Cornell University, earning a master’s degree and a doctorate. Her work included aiding the Thai U.N. Mission and serving as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria. She also became a U.N. goodwill ambassador.
Her legacy includes significant efforts in women’s rights, resulting in the U.N. General Assembly’s “Bangkok Rules” for female prisoners. She once stated that a society needs stability and justice for growth.
She is survived by her parents and siblings.