As Bangkok comes to terms with the loss of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyaratana, thousands have lined the city's streets in a poignant display of respect and grief. The sombre funeral procession, featuring flashing motorcycles and cars, has transported her body from hospital to the Grand Palace, marking a momentous occasion for Thailand.
The 47-year-old princess had been in a coma since December 2019 after collapsing while training her dogs, sparking an outpouring of sympathy from across the nation. On Saturday, citizens and officials gathered in large numbers despite sweltering conditions, many visibly emotional as they bowed their heads in silence to honour the silver van carrying the princess's body.
The streets of Bangkok were filled for kilometres with mourners who had come to pay their final respects to a royal family member widely admired for her humanitarian work. Wanida Lainun, one such mourner, spoke movingly about Princess Bajrakitiyabha's dedication to improving the lives of ordinary Thai citizens – particularly through initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged people in Chiang Mai.
As a trained lawyer and ambassador to Austria, Princess Bajrakitiyabha had left an indelible mark on Thailand. Her tireless efforts to promote women's rights and her swift response to natural disasters earned her widespread respect. According to local media, following the devastating floods in Bangkok in 1995, she and her mother personally delivered aid to stranded individuals in cut-off areas – a testament to their compassion and dedication.
Her commitment to helping those affected by floods led to the establishment of the Friends in Need (of 'Pa') project under the Thai Red Cross Society. This initiative installed early-warning weather stations, facilitated evacuations, provided frontline services, and assisted those affected by floods in escaping poverty. Anchalee, a mourner aged 47 like the princess, expressed her shock at the royal family member's prolonged illness and shared that many had prayed for her recovery from the coma.
Earlier in the day, a Buddhist funeral bathing ceremony took place at the Grand Palace, where the public was invited to pour holy water into a ceremonial bowl before a portrait of the princess. The Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirvirakul, led members of the Thai cabinet in this rite, all wearing traditional white suits during royal funeral processions. In line with official protocol, government workers distributed free meals to the many mourners who remained outside the Grand Palace.