BANGKOK — Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and a prominent legal advocate, has died at the age of 47, the Bureau of the Royal Household said.
The princess died on Thursday evening at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok, where she had been receiving care since collapsing in December 2022, the royal household said in a statement issued Friday.
She had been in a coma for nearly four years following a cardiac event while exercising her dogs. Doctors attributed the collapse to a severely irregular heartbeat linked to a mycoplasma infection, according to earlier palace statements.
The palace said her condition had worsened due to complications including an intra-abdominal infection, colitis, low blood pressure, arrhythmias and blood clotting disorders. "The medical team provided the closest and most intensive care possible, but her condition continued to decline progressively," the statement said.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was known for her work in law and women's rights. A lawyer by training, she contributed to international standards on the treatment of female prisoners, helping draft the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, known as the Bangkok Rules.
She had served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria and held senior positions in the country's legal and diplomatic spheres. Born on Dec. 7, 1978, to the king's first wife, Princess Soamsawali, she was the eldest of King Vajiralongkorn's seven children and held the title Princess Rajasarini Siribajra.
Her death has prompted national mourning in Thailand. The government declared a 15-day period of mourning, with flags flown at half-staff. Public condolences have been expressed, and arrangements for traditional funeral rites at the Grand Palace are underway, officials said.
Details of the funeral schedule remain unclear as the royal household continues preparations. The princess's passing comes as Thailand's monarchy navigates questions about succession, though the palace has not commented on any implications.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn has not issued a personal statement, according to available reports. The royal family is expected to observe formal mourning rituals in the coming days.
