Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha has passed away at the age of 47 after spending more than three years in a coma, according to an announcement from the Royal Household Bureau.
The princess had been hospitalized since December 2022 after collapsing while exercising with her dogs. Medical experts later determined that she had suffered a severe cardiac arrhythmia caused by a heart infection, which left her unconscious.
In a statement released on Friday, the royal household said that doctors had provided extensive medical care throughout her illness, but her condition gradually worsened. She died on Thursday evening at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok.
Born on 7 December 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn and was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished members of Thailand’s royal family.
A trained lawyer, she earned advanced degrees from Cornell University in the United States before beginning a distinguished career in public service. She worked with Thailand’s mission to the United Nations in New York and later served in the country’s Attorney General’s Office.
From 2012 to 2014, she served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, where she developed strong ties with international organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Throughout her career, Princess Bajrakitiyabha became a prominent advocate for legal reform, focusing particularly on prison conditions, women’s rights, and access to justice. She worked closely with organizations promoting improvements to criminal justice systems and support for vulnerable populations.
In 2021, King Vajiralongkorn appointed her as chief of staff of his royal bodyguard unit and granted her the rank of general, reflecting the significant trust and responsibility she held within the royal institution.
Beyond her official duties, the princess was known for her enthusiasm for fitness and regularly participated in long-distance running and cycling events.
Her death leaves renewed uncertainty surrounding Thailand’s future royal succession. King Vajiralongkorn, now 73, has not officially named an heir. Although Thai tradition favors a male successor, constitutional provisions allow a woman to ascend the throne.
Many royal observers viewed Princess Bajrakitiyabha as one of the strongest and most capable figures within the monarchy, with some believing she could have played a key role in the kingdom’s future leadership.
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