Thailand: Princess Bajrakitiyabha, King's eldest daughter, dies at 47

Thailand's royal palace announced Friday the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, at the age of 47. The princess passed away peacefully Thursday evening after her condition worsened due to an intestinal infection, according to a statement from the royal household bureau.

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Her condition continued to deteriorate due to an intestinal infection, until she passed away peacefully Thursday evening.

Referred to as "Princess Bha" in Thailand, she had been unconscious in the hospital since suffering a cardiac arrest during a training session with army dogs in December 2022. The royal palace had previously disclosed in August 2025 that she had a severe blood infection and relied on medical equipment to support her lung and kidney functions. Three weeks prior to the announcement of her death, the palace stated her health had "seriously deteriorated" and her infection had become "uncontrollable."

Her passing comes months after the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, a significant figure in the Thai monarchy, at the age of 93. Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the only child from King Vajiralongkorn's first marriage to Princess Soamsawali. Trained as a prosecutor and diplomat, she studied in the United Kingdom, Thailand, and the United States, earning a law degree from Cornell University.

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Her state of health had seriously deteriorated and her infection had become uncontrollable.

During her career, Princess Bajrakitiyabha served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria and held various positions at the United Nations. She was also an advocate for women's rights, particularly focusing on the treatment of women in prison. She played an important ceremonial role in Thai society, where the royal family holds a prominent position. The princess was considered close to her father and had been appointed to a senior position in his bodyguard unit a year before her hospitalization.

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I wonder today what exactly I am: a prosecutor, a criminal lawyer, a diplomat? The answer is: all of them at once. I like to say that I am a hybrid.