Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand remains in a deep coma following severe health complications that began in 2022. The 47-year-old royal, who is the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has been receiving medical attention since collapsing due to a heart condition while engaged in dog training activities. Recent updates from the palace indicate a significant deterioration in her health, as she now battles an “uncontrollable” abdominal infection.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/thai-princess-1-bd9563f617cd4eb6b1b07e3dcd0bff98.jpg)
Since her hospitalisation in December 2022, Princess Bajrakitiyabha has been reliant on advanced medical equipment to support vital organs, including her lungs and kidneys. The Bureau of the Royal Household confirmed in a recent statement that her condition has worsened, highlighting concerns over unstable vital signs, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. The infection has become serious enough to impact other organs, as the palace noted in their communications.
The princess, often referred to as “Princess Bha,” was previously seen as a potential successor to the Thai throne. She is the king’s only child with his first wife, Soamsawali Kitiyakara, and has not married or had children. While many were optimistic about her future role in the country, her ongoing health challenges have shifted discussions towards her younger cousin, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, aged 21, who could emerge as the next heir.
The royal family’s updates about Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s condition have been somewhat constrained, with only a few official communications released since her hospitalisation. This practise reflects the family’s desire for privacy regarding sensitive health matters. In an update issued in August 2025, medical professionals at Chulalongkorn Red Cross Hospital reported a severe infection in the princess’s bloodstream, prompting aggressive treatment with antibiotics.
Despite her medical struggles, Princess Bajrakitiyabha previously led a prominent career. She holds degrees in law and international relations and has experience working with the United Nations. Her advocacy for the rights of incarcerated women is particularly noteworthy, as she played a part in advancing the “Bangkok Rules,” aimed at improving prison conditions for women.
The royal family’s dynamics have shifted as attention has turned towards the king’s younger children from his subsequent marriages. Apart from Prince Dipangkorn, the king also has five children from his second wife, Yuvadhida Polpraserth. Following their divorce, Yuvadhida and her children left Thailand and reportedly lived in exile in England and the United States.
These developments have added an extra layer of complexity to the royal succession situation in Thailand. With the princess’s health in decline, many royal observers speculate on the fitness of the current heirs, including Prince Dipangkorn, and the implications for the future of the monarchy.
As the situation progresses, well-wishers continue to express their support for Princess Bajrakitiyabha across Thailand. Images of the princess are adorned with flowers and tributes at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. The lingering uncertainty surrounding her health has captured the nation’s attention, with many hoping for her recovery.
This unfolding situation is a topic of significant interest within Thailand and among royal watchers around the globe. The delicate balance of royal duty, family ties, and health crises continues to shape the narrative of the Thai monarchy amidst these challenges.