Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies at 47 after 3 yrs in Coma; India extends condolences
Babushahi Bureau
Bangkok/New Delhi, June 12, 2026: Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, the eldest daughter of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has died at the age of 47 after remaining in a coma for more than three years following a serious heart-related illness.
According to Thailand's Royal Household Bureau, the Princess passed away peacefully on Thursday evening at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, where she had been receiving continuous medical care since December 2022.
She had collapsed while training her companion dog and subsequently suffered severe medical complications, including a serious infection that affected multiple organs.
Following news of her death, India extended its condolences to the Thai Royal Family and the people of Thailand.
In a statement, the Embassy of India in Bangkok expressed deep sorrow over the loss and said the Princess would be remembered for her significant contributions to public service and diplomacy. The embassy conveyed its sympathies to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Family and the people of Thailand during this period of mourning.
The Thai government also paid tribute to the Princess, describing her as a respected national figure whose lifelong service to the country would leave a lasting legacy. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called her "a pride of Thailand" and praised her commitment to justice, equality and social welfare.
Born on December 7, 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was widely known for her legal and humanitarian work. She earned a law degree from Cornell University, served in Thailand's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, and later worked as Thailand's Ambassador to Austria. She also served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The Princess gained international recognition for her efforts to improve the treatment and rehabilitation of women prisoners through her "Kamlangjai" (Inspire) initiative, which contributed to the adoption of the UN's Bangkok Rules on the treatment of female inmates.
Thailand's King has ordered royal funeral rites with full honours in accordance with royal tradition. The Princess will lie in state at Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall in Bangkok's Grand Palace.
Mourners gathered outside the hospital following the announcement, paying tribute to a royal figure remembered for her public service, legal advocacy and humanitarian work.