Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies at 47

Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies at 47

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest child of Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn, died on Friday morning at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok at the age of 47, following a coma of over three years. Her passing removes a prominent figure from the Thai royal family and impacts potential future succession considerations.

The Princess collapsed in December 2022 due to a severely irregular heartbeat caused by a mycoplasma infection. Despite intensive medical care, her condition progressively declined. Born on December 7, 1978, she held advanced degrees in law from Cornell University and served in various capacities, including at the Thai mission to the United Nations and as Thailand's ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014. She was also a general and chief of staff in her father's private bodyguard.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was recognized for her advocacy in penal reform, particularly concerning vulnerable women in prison, and served as the UNODC's Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia. Her death leaves the question of royal succession more open, as King Vajiralongkorn, 73, has not named an heir. While Thai custom favors a male heir, a 1974 constitutional amendment permits a female monarch. Her capabilities had led to speculation about her potential role as queen or regent.