Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies at 47 After 3 Years in a Coma

Thailand is mourning the loss of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, who passed away on June 11 at the age of 47. Known affectionately as “Princess Bha,” her death follows a three-year period in which she remained in a coma. The Bureau of the Royal Household confirmed her passing, stating that she had been hospitalised in Bangkok since December 2022 after collapsing while training dogs.

The princess’s health deteriorated significantly during her hospital stay due to a mycoplasma infection, a condition reported by the palace. Following her hospitalisation, her family provided minimal updates on her condition, which became a matter of public concern. Reports from August 2025 noted a severe infection in her bloodstream, prompting medical intervention to stabilise her vital signs. Just prior to her death, an update indicated she was experiencing various health complications, including low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on December 7, 1978, as the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali. She pursued her education in law at Thammasat University, eventually earning a master’s degree and a doctorate from Cornell University in the United States. Her early career included a role at the Thai Mission to the United Nations in New York City, before returning to Thailand to serve as a public prosecutor.

In addition to her legal career, Princess Bajrakitiyabha held the position of Thailand’s ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014. Her advocacy work for women’s rights and justice reform earned her international recognition. In 2017, she became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, where she tirelessly campaigned for reform aimed at improving the treatment of incarcerated women. Notably, she was instrumental in the adoption of the “Bangkok Rules” by the UN in 2010, which set out guidelines for the treatment of women prisoners.

Throughout her advocacy, Bajrakitiyabha believed in the foundational role of the rule of law in societal development. She once stated, “Society cannot grow if there is instability and injustice,” underscoring her commitment to human rights and justice reform. Her work was highly regarded, exemplifying her dedication to her causes and making significant strides in creating dialogue around necessary reforms.

Her untimely death raises questions about the future of the Thai monarchy. As the eldest child of the king, many viewed Princess Bajrakitiyabha as a potential heir; however, she is preceded in the line of succession by her younger brother, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti. Thailand has traditionally favoured male heirs, although the royal succession laws were amended in 1974 to allow for the possibility of a ruling queen.

The dynamics within the royal family could be further complicated by the king’s other children. While he has four sons from a previous marriage, they were disowned in 1996 and currently live abroad. The only other sibling within the royal family, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, remains in Thailand under royal title.

Jeremy Douglas, a senior official at the UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime, reflected on the princess’s commitment to her humanitarian efforts, stating, “She gave a lot of her time, which she didn’t have to do.” His remarks highlighted her proactive approach to collaboration and innovation in her advocacy work.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s passing leaves behind a legacy of public service and dedication to the advancement of women’s rights. She is survived by her parents and six half-siblings, who, along with the nation, will remember her contributions to society and her untiring efforts towards achieving justice and reform.

As the kingdom of Thailand begins to navigate this new chapter in its royal history, Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s commitment to societal betterment and her role as an advocate for human rights will be remembered fondly by both the Thai people and the international community.