Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has passed away at the age of 47 after being in a coma for three and a half years. The Thai Royal Palace announced her death on Friday. The princess had been hospitalized since December 2022 after collapsing during a walk with her dogs. She suffered from a mycoplasma infection in her heart, causing severe irregular heartbeats.
The Bureau of the Royal Household stated that the princess had been suffering from a stomach infection and her condition had been deteriorating. Her body will be placed at the Grand Palace in Bangkok for public and royal family members to pay their respects. Her funeral will be conducted with the highest honors according to royal tradition.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, known as 'Princess Va' in Thailand, was a trained lawyer and diplomat. She held various positions, including serving as a Thai ambassador to Austria and working with the United Nations. She was also known for her advocacy for women's rights, particularly for improving the conditions of women in prison.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, has not yet announced an heir to the throne. Thailand's succession law gives precedence to male heirs. The Thai royal family is highly revered, and there are strict laws against criticizing or defaming the monarchy, with penalties including up to 15 years in prison.
