Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies at 47 After Long Coma

Thailand is mourning the loss of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, who passed away at the age of 47. The princess had been in a coma since late 2022, and her death was announced on Thursday, sending ripples of shock throughout the nation.

As the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, affectionately known as 'Princess Bha,' was a popular figure. She was particularly recognized for her strong advocacy for women's rights and her commitment to legal reform. Thailand has one of the highest numbers of female inmates globally, and the princess frequently spoke out about the need for reform, focusing on vulnerable women in the prison system.

Her life was marked by a dual passion for sports and law. An avid fitness enthusiast, she often participated in long-distance running events. Academically, she earned two postgraduate degrees from Cornell University in the United States and had a career that included working with the Thai mission to the United Nations in New York and later with the Office of the Public Prosecutor in Bangkok.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha also served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014 and later became a UNODC Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia. Her influence extended to advocating for stricter penalties for drug offenses, a significant issue in Thailand.

Her passing leaves a void in the Thai monarchy and raises uncertainties regarding the royal succession. The strict lèse-majesté laws in Thailand prevent public discussion on the matter.