Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies at 47 After Coma

 Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies at 47 After Nearly Four Years in a Coma

By Lamiel Side News | June 12, 2026

Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has died at the age of 47 after spending more than three years in a coma, according to an announcement by the Royal Household Bureau.

The princess died on June 11, 2026, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, after her health deteriorated following several medical complications. The royal announcement was released on June 12.

Princess Had Been Hospitalised Since 2022

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, widely known as Princess Pa, was admitted to hospital on December 15, 2022, after losing consciousness because of a heart condition while visiting Nakhon Ratchasima in northeastern Thailand.

She was subsequently taken to Bangkok for medical treatment and remained under medical care.

According to the Royal Household Bureau, her condition worsened in May 2026 after she developed an abdominal infection associated with inflammation of the large intestine. She also experienced low blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and blood-clotting abnormalities.

Despite treatment, her condition continued to deteriorate, the official statement said.

Education and Legal Career

Born on December 7, 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsawali.

She studied law and earned advanced degrees at Cornell University in the United States. She later worked in Thailand’s Office of the Attorney-General, where she served as a legal professional between 2006 and 2011.

Her work in the legal field formed an important part of her public service, alongside her diplomatic responsibilities and charitable activities.

Diplomatic Service and Work for Female Prisoners

Between 2012 and 2014, the princess served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia before returning to work in the country’s attorney-general system.

She also supported initiatives aimed at improving the lives and rights of female prisoners, including women who were pregnant while in custody.

In 2017, she was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia by the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

In 2021, she joined the Thai army and received the rank of general, serving as chief of staff in the Royal Security Command.

Thailand Announces Royal Funeral Rites

Following the announcement of her death, the Thai royal household arranged funeral rites in accordance with royal tradition.

The Thai government also announced a period of national mourning. The princess’s death marked the loss of a prominent member of the royal family who had served in legal, diplomatic and public roles.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s life combined royal duties with work in law, international relations and efforts to improve conditions for women in prison.

Sources: Reuters and the Government Public Relations Department of Thailand. See the links below for the original reporting and official announcement.

Sources

- Reuters: "Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies at 47" (https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-kings-eldest-daughter-dies-aged-47-after-long-illness-royal-palace-says-2026-06-12/)

- Royal Thai Government: "Official Announcement of Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s Death" (https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/44/iid/511650)

- Associated Press (AP): "Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Known for Her Legal Work, Dies at 47" (https://apnews.com/article/3e1ca1ccca326008860e34bb9fa82686)