Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dead at 47 After 3-Year Coma

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The people of Thailand are in mourning.

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol. The Royal Household announced she died on June 11th at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok. She was only 47, and had been in a coma for over three years. It’s a truly heartbreaking loss.

As many of you know, I’ve been following the health updates regarding Her Royal Highness closely. She first entered the hospital back in December 2022 due to a heart issue that caused her to lose consciousness. More recently, in April of this year, doctors discovered an abdominal infection stemming from inflammation in her large intestine. Unfortunately, this complication significantly impacted her overall condition, leading to unstable vital signs – specifically low blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, and some concerning issues with blood clotting.

Despite the medical team’s best efforts, the Princess’s health worsened.

The bureau concluded by announcing the royal family’s plans to commemorate Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsawali, following her death.

The King has ordered the Royal Household Bureau to organize a state funeral for the Princess, with all the traditional honors she deserves. Her body will be placed for public viewing at Biman Rataya Pavilion in the Grand Palace.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha collapsed while practicing with her dogs in preparation for a military show and was subsequently admitted to the hospital, according to NBC News.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, after earning a law degree from Thammasat University in Bangkok and a master’s from Cornell University in New York, dedicated herself to improving the criminal justice system. She especially championed the rehabilitation of female prisoners through her Kamlangjai project, which provided support to help them successfully re-enter society after being released from Thai prisons.

Oh my gosh, she just gets it, you know? I remember reading her words from that 2013 AP interview, and it totally blew me away. She said that a society just can’t move forward if things are chaotic and unfair. It all comes down to having a solid legal system, she explained – without that, it’s just…well, chaos! She really believes the rule of law is key to everything – not just building up the economy and making things better, but also protecting people’s basic rights. It’s like, she understands that justice isn’t just some abstract idea, it’s the foundation for a good life and a thriving society. I’ve read it a million times, and it still gives me chills!

Following the princess’s passing, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described her as a source of national pride.

As a devoted follower, I was deeply saddened to hear about this loss – it feels like so much more than just news; it’s a profound grief shared by all of us in Thailand. Her Majesty dedicated her life to creating a kinder, fairer, and more equal society, and that commitment will live on as an incredible example for our nation and future generations. It’s a legacy that will truly guide us.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, after earning her law degree from Thammasat University in Bangkok and a master’s from Cornell University in New York, dedicated herself to improving the criminal justice system. She especially focused on helping women in Thai prisons through her Kamlangjai project, which provided rehabilitation programs to prepare them for life after release.

In a 2013 interview with The Associated Press, she explained that progress requires stability and fairness. She emphasized that chaos arises without laws and a functioning justice system, and that these are essential for development, economic growth, and protecting human rights.

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2026-06-12 17:17