On June 12, 2026, the Royal Palace of Thailand issued a statement announcing the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha at the age of 47. She passed away on the evening of June 11 at 7:48 pm local time at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, where she had been receiving medical treatment for over 3 years since losing consciousness due to heart problems in December 2022.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the only child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Queen Suthida. She had been actively engaged in various activities until falling unconscious during a canine-related event in December 2022 in the northeastern province of Lopburi, after which she was immediately hospitalized for treatment in Bangkok.
The Royal Palace later revealed that the princess had developed myocarditis and severe arrhythmia due to a chlamydial infection, with medical professionals working to maintain her heart, lung, and kidney functions using drugs and medical equipment.
Despite ongoing medical efforts, her condition worsened due to abdominal infection and related complications, leading to unstable vital signs, low blood pressure, arrhythmia, and abnormal blood clotting. Sadly, Princess Bajrakitiyabha passed away on the evening of June 11.
Born on December 7, 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha pursued her education in Thailand, the UK, and the US, graduating from Thammasat University with a law degree before obtaining a Master’s and Doctorate in Law from Cornell University in the US.
Upon returning to Thailand, she held positions in the prosecution service and served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, as well as to Slovenia and Slovakia. She also worked as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, advocating for judicial reform, legal education, and the rights of female inmates.
Her initiatives included advocating for the improvement of conditions for female prisoners and participating in the promotion of the “Bangkok Rules” on the treatment of women prisoners, which were adopted by the UN.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, known for her expertise in law, diplomacy, and public affairs, had been speculated to play a role in Thailand’s royal succession due to her vast experience in various fields. However, the Royal Palace never formally declared her as an heir to the throne.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has seven children from four marriages, has not yet designated a crown prince. While Thailand’s succession system traditionally favors male heirs, the king holds the power to appoint his successor.
Following the princess’s passing, the succession plan within the Thai Royal Family once again becomes a topic of public interest and concern. The government has announced mourning activities starting from June 12, with flags flown at half-mast at government offices, and a 15-day period of wearing mourning attire for public servants.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed his condolences for the princess’s passing. Sports events, concerts, and other activities will continue as planned, but organizers and participants are requested to observe a moment of silence before the events.
Upon hearing the news of the princess’s passing, several Thai television stations and news websites shifted to black and white tones as a sign of mourning. Outside Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, mourners gathered with photos of the princess to pay their respects.
The Thai Royal Palace has announced plans to hold a royal funeral for Princess Bajrakitiyabha, with further details on the funeral arrangements to be made public in the coming days.