Thailand is mourning the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of Maha Vajiralongkorn, who passed away at the age of 47 after a prolonged illness.
The Bureau of the Royal Household announced on Friday that the princess died peacefully on Thursday evening following complications related to an abdominal infection. She had been receiving medical treatment since December 2022 after falling seriously ill and remained hospitalised for more than three years.
According to the palace, her condition deteriorated in recent months, requiring medical devices to support her lung and kidney functions, as well as ongoing medication.
Known affectionately as "Princess Bha," Bajrakitiyabha was the only child from King Vajiralongkorn's first marriage to Soamsawali. She was widely regarded as one of the most prominent members of Thailand's royal family and played an important ceremonial and public service role.
The princess built a distinguished career in law and diplomacy. Educated in Thailand, Britain and the United States, she earned a law degree from Cornell University and later served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria. She also held several positions within the United Nations and became a strong advocate for women's rights and prison reform.
In a televised address, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul paid tribute to the late princess, describing her as a dedicated public servant who devoted her life to promoting justice, equality, human dignity and human rights.
“She was loved, respected and admired by people throughout the kingdom. She was kind, talented and of exemplary conduct,” he said.
The princess's body will lie in state at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, where royal funeral rites will be conducted according to longstanding tradition. A royal procession is scheduled to transport her body from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the palace on Saturday.
The Thai government has invited citizens to pay their respects, while flags at official buildings will be flown at half-mast for 15 days.
Mourners gathered outside the hospital and the Grand Palace following the announcement, many expressing deep sadness at the loss of a royal figure widely admired for her public service and charitable work.
The death comes months after the passing of Queen Sirikit, the king's mother, who died in October at the age of 93.
King Vajiralongkorn, 73, has seven children from four marriages and has not publicly named an heir to the throne. Under Thailand's succession laws, male heirs are generally given preference.