Thailand’s Royal Household has confirmed the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, at the age of 47. The announcement marks the end of a three-and-a-half-year medical battle for the princess, who fell into a coma in late 2022 after collapsing during a routine outing to exercise her pet dogs.
Widely regarded as one of the most high-achieving and publicly active members of the Thai royal family, Princess Bajrakitiyabha built a distinguished public career beyond ceremonial duties. A trained lawyer by profession, she served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, and spent years advocating for meaningful reforms to Thailand’s national criminal justice system, drawing on her legal expertise to push for greater fairness and transparency. She also represented Thailand on global stages, including a 2009 appearance at the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva.
Throughout her public life, the princess maintained a close relationship with her father, 73-year-old King Vajiralongkorn. At the time of her death, the Thai monarch had not officially named an heir to the throne, and political analysts widely viewed Princess Bajrakitiyabha as a likely key figure in the future royal succession, given her proven public profile and proximity to the king.
In the wake of the announcement, mourners have gathered outside Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn Hospital, where the princess had received ongoing medical care since her collapse, to pay their respects. Photos from the scene show members of the public holding portraits of the princess and sharing grief over her early passing.
Prior to her health crisis, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was a familiar presence at national public events, from joining royal processions through Bangkok alongside the king and Queen Suthida to leading community activities honoring senior members of the royal family, including a 2015 cycling event held to tribute her grandfather, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.