Thailand is mourning the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati. The eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn has passed away at the age of 47 after remaining in a coma since late 2022. The royal palace announced that she died on Thursday evening at a hospital in Bangkok. “TThe medical team provided the closest and most intensive care possible, but her condition continued to decline progressively,” the palace said, according to bbc.com. With her passing, the monarchy loses one of the most prominent women of the modern royal era.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Collapsed Suddenly in 2022
The health crisis began in December 2022 when the princess lost consciousness during a visit to Nakhon Ratchasima province and was airlifted to Bangkok by helicopter. Doctors linked the collapse to severe cardiac arrhythmia caused by a mycoplasma infection affecting the heart. Her condition later worsened significantly. The palace cited complications including an abdominal infection, colitis, low blood pressure, arrhythmia, and blood-clotting disorders among the factors behind her decline.
Bajrakitiyabha Studied Law at Cornell University
Born on December 7, 1978, Bajrakitiyabha—often known as Princess Pa—built an impressive legal career. She earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate in law from Cornell University before joining Thailand’s Attorney General’s Office, where she worked from 2006 to 2011. Her professional achievements highlighted her commitment to public service beyond royal responsibilities. In 2021, she joined the military, received the rank of General, and became Chief of Staff at the Royal Security Command.
King Vajiralongkorn Loses a Key Royal Figure
The princess also played an important diplomatic role. From 2012 to 2014, she served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia while maintaining close ties with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. As King Vajiralongkorn has never formally named an heir, she was often viewed as a significant figure in discussions surrounding the future of the monarchy. Under Thailand’s constitution, she was among the royal children with formal titles and succession rights. The palace is now preparing state funeral ceremonies as the country enters a period of mourning.
