Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has died at the age of 47. The Royal Palace confirmed her passing after she had been in a coma for nearly four years, following a severe health crisis that began in December 2022.
Known affectionately in Thailand as Princess Bha, her health had been a significant concern since she was admitted to hospital almost two years ago. She became gravely ill after experiencing heart problems while training her dogs. Initial reports indicated an irregular heart rate, which physicians were unable to stabilise, compounded by multiple organ infections.
Further details released in April of the previous year revealed a stomach infection that led to inflammation in her intestines. This resulted in a drop in blood pressure and an increasingly irregular heartbeat. Throughout her illness, Princess Bajrakitiyabha's kidney function and breathing were supported by medical equipment, according to palace statements.
Born in 1978 to then-Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and his cousin, Princess Soamsawali, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was a highly accomplished individual. She held several academic degrees, including a doctorate from Cornell University in the United States. Her career included serving as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, working in the attorney general’s office and the royal security command, and acting as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. She was also a prominent advocate for the rights of female prisoners.
Her untimely death inevitably brings the sensitive issue of royal succession to the forefront in Thailand. While never officially addressed, many analysts regarded Princess Bajrakitiyabha as a well-suited candidate for the throne. Public discussion of the monarchy in Thailand is heavily restricted by strict lese-majesty laws, which can result in lengthy prison sentences for criticism of the royal family.
The King has seven children from four marriages, but Princess Bajrakitiyabha was one of only three to hold a royal title, alongside Princess Sirivannavari, 38, and Prince Dipangkorn, 20. There had been speculation that Princess Bajrakitiyabha might have served as a regent for Prince Dipangkorn, who is reported to have learning difficulties, or even become Thailand's first ruling queen. Her passing leaves these succession questions more open-ended.
Source: Royal Household Bureau, Thailand