Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand Passes Away at 47
Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand has passed away at the age of 47 after being in a coma for more than three years, according to the royal palace.
She lost consciousness in December 2022 while exercising with her dogs. Doctors later determined that her condition was caused by a severe irregular heartbeat linked to a mycoplasma infection affecting her heart. Despite continuous medical care and efforts to stabilize her condition, her health gradually worsened over time.
The princess died at 7:48 p.m. on Thursday at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. Her death marks the end of a long medical struggle that had kept her in critical condition since her collapse.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, born from his first marriage to Princess Soamsawali. She was widely known for her strong academic background and public service. She earned a law degree and later completed two postgraduate programs at Cornell University in the United States, reflecting her deep commitment to education and governance.
Throughout her career, she served in various important roles, including working with Thailand’s mission to the United Nations in New York and later joining the Office of the Attorney General in Thailand. She also served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014. In her professional work, she focused on improving the justice system, especially efforts aimed at supporting women in prison and promoting fair legal reforms.
She also collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to strengthen the rule of law and modernize Thailand’s criminal justice system. In 2021, she was appointed as chief of staff of the king’s private security unit and was given the rank of general, showing the high level of trust placed in her by the royal family.
Outside of her official duties, she was known as a fitness enthusiast who often participated in long-distance running events, reflecting her active and disciplined lifestyle.
Her passing has also renewed public discussion about Thailand’s future royal succession. King Vajiralongkorn, now 73, has not officially named a clear heir. Because of her experience, leadership roles, and close connection to the king, Princess Bajrakitiyabha had long been seen as a potential key figure in the future of the Thai monarchy.