Thailand is grieving for Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who died after nearly four years in a coma. The death was announced on June 12 by the royal household, the Thai royal family and the nation.
Bajrakitiyabha, affectionately referred to as Princess Pa, had been hospitalised since December 2022 after collapsing during a dog-training session. Doctors later concluded that her sudden loss of consciousness was related to a serious heart condition associated with an infection, and she was brought to a Bangkok hospital.
The princess’s health had deteriorated considerably in recent weeks. She was diagnosed with multiple complications, including infections, low blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities, and blood-clotting disorders, the government said. Doctors kept round-the-clock care, but her condition didn’t improve until her death on June 11.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on December 7, 1978, and became one of Thailand’s most accomplished members. She obtained law degrees (with advanced studies at Cornell University, USA) and started a career as a lawyer, diplomat, and public servant.
She was Thailand’s ambassador to Austria and held various posts in the legal system of her country. She was also an advocate for women’s rights and criminal justice reform. So she had been very helpful to incarcerated women, and she had done rehab for female prisoners. She also helped raise world awareness about prison reform and was recognised by the United Nations system.
Besides diplomatic and legal work, Princess Bajrakitiyabha played a crucial role in Thailand’s public life. She was one of the most prominent and respected royals of her generation and was widely regarded as one of the most influential in the future of the monarchy. Her death has led to the question of Thailand’s royal succession once again, as she was one of the few royal family members who might be eligible to lead the country.
The princess will be given high royal honours at her funeral, where her body will lie in state at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, where her family, government officials, and citizens will pay their respects. Thailand will also be mourning for her as its citizens pay tribute.
With Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s death, we saw a long and very difficult medical battle that went on for more than three years. For her work in public service, legal reform, diplomacy, and humanitarian work, she leaves behind a legacy that goes well beyond the royal institution.
The death of a respected princess in Thailand has been an eye-opener for the country and the world, as she was a royal who, through her commitment to social justice, compassion, and public service, was deeply loved, with many people paying tribute.
