Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha, eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, dies at 47
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, a lawyer and senior royal who was active in justice reform, died on Thursday at a Bangkok hospital after a prolonged illness.
Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died on Thursday evening at a Bangkok hospital, the Bureau of the Royal Household said. She had been hospitalized since falling unconscious three years ago following a mycoplasma infection, according to a statement released on Friday.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described the princess’s death as an "immeasurable grief" for the nation and praised her commitment to kindness, justice and equality.
A small group of mourners gathered at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where many held framed photographs of the princess. Pattamaporn Kaewkityakorn, who arrived the previous day to show support, said she was shocked by the news.
Bajrakitiyabha was known for her Kamlangjai ("Inspire") project, which assists incarcerated women before release, and for her broader work on criminal-justice reform. She helped promote the United Nations "Bangkok Rules" on the treatment of female prisoners and served as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
The princess earned a law degree from Thammasat University and a doctorate from Cornell University, later establishing scholarships and exchange programs in her name. Her career included a stint as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria (2012-2014) and work as a public prosecutor.
She is survived by her parents, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, and her siblings.
