Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and a lawyer, passed away at the age of 47, as confirmed by the Bureau of the Royal Household. She was being treated in a Bangkok hospital since falling unconscious due to illness three years ago.
The Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, expressed deep sorrow over the princess’s demise, describing her as a symbol of pride for Thailand. He highlighted her dedication to fostering a society based on kindness, justice, and equality, which he emphasized would be a lasting moral legacy for the nation.
Following her passing, a small gathering of mourners assembled at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to pay their respects to the princess, many holding framed photos of her. Among them was Pattamaporn Kaewkityakorn, who had stayed overnight at the hospital in a show of support for the princess, expressing her sadness and shock upon hearing the news the next day.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was renowned for her efforts in justice reform, particularly through her Kamlangjai project aimed at assisting incarcerated Thai women in their rehabilitation before release. She was hospitalized in 2022 after collapsing while training dogs, attributed to a mycoplasma infection, commonly associated with pneumonia.
Born on December 7, 1978, to King Vajiralongkorn and his then-wife Princess Soamsawali, Bajrakitiyabha, also known as Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati in official capacities, had pursued a career in law. She studied at Thammasat University and later obtained master’s and doctorate degrees from Cornell University, focusing on protecting the rights of the accused.
Throughout her career, the princess held various diplomatic roles, including serving as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014. She was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in 2017, advocating for criminal justice issues and women’s rights.
Bajrakitiyabha’s dedication to societal well-being and justice was evident in her work, which included initiatives to improve the conditions of female prisoners and combat violence against women. Her efforts led to the adoption of the “Bangkok Rules” by the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the care and treatment of female inmates.
In a 2013 interview with The Associated Press, Princess Bajrakitiyabha emphasized the importance of the rule of law in promoting stability, justice, and human rights for societal progress. She leaves behind her parents, King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, as well as her siblings, continuing her legacy of advocating for a fair and just society.
