Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who passed away at the age of 47 after spending nearly four years in a coma. The Thai royal palace announced her death on June 12, 2026.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha had been hospitalized since December 2022 after collapsing due to a serious heart-related condition while training her dogs. Despite extensive medical treatment, her health reportedly deteriorated in recent weeks due to complications including infection, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and blood-clotting disorders.
Widely known as “Princess Pa” in Thailand, she was one of the country’s most respected royals. A trained lawyer, she studied law at Thammasat University before earning advanced legal degrees from Cornell University. She later worked as a public prosecutor and became an influential advocate for justice reform and women’s rights.
The princess also served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria between 2012 and 2014 and was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2017, where she focused on rule of law, crime prevention, and the rights of women and vulnerable groups.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Thailand, with mourners gathering to pay their respects and national leaders praising her dedication to justice, equality, and public service. Royal funeral rites are expected to be conducted with the highest honors in accordance with Thai tradition.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s passing is also expected to renew discussions about the future succession of the Thai monarchy, as she had long been viewed as one of the most prominent and capable members of the royal family.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
