Thailand’s royal family is mourning the loss of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, who passed away on June 11 at the age of 47 after spending nearly three years in a coma. As the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Bha had been viewed as a prominent member of the royal family and a potential successor to the throne, though Thailand has traditionally favoured male heirs.
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Princess Bha fell ill and was hospitalised in December 2022, and throughout her lengthy medical ordeal, little information was shared with the public. The Thai monarchy maintained a level of secrecy around her condition, releasing only occasional statements. The unexpected death of the princess raises significant questions regarding the royal succession as King Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, has not officially designated a successor. At 73 years of age, the king’s future and the future of the monarchy remain uncertain.
Born to the king and his first wife, Soamsawali Kitiyakara, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was known for her public service outreach and contributions to social issues. King Vajiralongkorn’s second marriage to Yuvadhida Polpraserth produced five more children, but following their divorce, Polpraserth and her children relocated to England and then the United States. Reports indicate that following the separation, they were effectively exiled from Thailand, leaving their ambitions for the throne in limbo.
While Princess Bha was widely considered to be a potential heir, her death now places the spotlight on her younger half-brother, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, who is just 21 years old. The prince is the only child of King Vajiralongkorn and his current wife, Srirasmi Suwadee. Despite his young age, he is seen by many as the presumptive heir following Princess Bha’s demise. However, concerns regarding his ability to govern have surfaced, with reports suggesting he may experience learning difficulties. This has led some to speculate that Princess Bajrakitiyabha would have acted as regent had she lived to see him ascend to the throne.
The prospect of succession takes on added complexity given the overall unpopularity of the Thai monarchy among younger generations, who have expressed discontentment with the king’s personal scandals and the stringent enforcement of the kingdom’s “lèse-majesté” law, which prohibits criticism of the royal family. In contrast, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was viewed as a figure of respect and without controversy. She remained unmarried and was known for her dedication to humanitarian work.
Educated in law and international relations in both Thailand and the United States, Princess Bha had an impactful career that included work with the United Nations, where she advocated for women’s rights, particularly concerning the treatment of incarcerated women. Her efforts contributed to the establishment of the “Bangkok Rules,” which were adopted by the UN in 2010 and provide guidelines for the fair treatment of female prisoners.
Reflecting on her contributions, Jeremy Douglas, a senior official at the U.N.’s Office on Drugs and Crime, highlighted her commitment. “She gave a lot of her time, which she didn’t have to,” he remarked. “She was proactively engaging with people and brainstorming ideas on how to achieve better outcomes.”
In a 2013 interview, Princess Bajrakitiyabha spoke about the foundation of societal progress, championing justice and the rule of law. “Society cannot grow if there is instability and injustice,” she stated, emphasising the importance of legal frameworks in fostering development and human rights.
The passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol marks a significant moment for the Thai royal family as they navigate the implications of her death. As the nation reflects on her life and contributions, attention also turns to the future of the monarchy and the intricate dynamics of succession that will shape Thailand’s royal landscape for years to come. The loss of a figure like Princess Bha, who served as a bridge between tradition and modernity, leaves a void that may take time to fill as the royal family moves forward amidst changing societal attitudes.