Thailand is mourning the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, the eldest daughter of His Majesty the King.
The Bureau of the Royal Household announced that the princess died peacefully at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn Hospital on June 11th at 7:48 p.m. after a prolonged illness. She was 47.
Her Royal Highness had remained hospitalized since collapsing from a cardiac condition in December 2022. According to the palace, her condition worsened in late May after developing an abdominal infection linked to inflammation of the large intestine, leading to complications including low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, and abnormal blood clotting.
She is remembered for her decades-long career in law, diplomacy, and humanitarian work, which has earned her widespread recognition both at home and abroad.
Lawyer, diplomat, and global reformer
Born on December 7th, 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the first grandchild of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Educated in Thailand and the United Kingdom, she went on to earn both a Master of Laws and a Doctor of the Science of Law from Cornell University in the United States.
After joining Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General in 2006, she rose through the ranks to become an expert public prosecutor, while also serving as a lecturer in law.
Internationally, Her Royal Highness represented the Kingdom as Thailand’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna. In this capacity, she became an internationally recognized advocate for improving the treatment of women in the criminal justice system and for rule-of-law initiatives.
Among her most enduring contributions was her role in advancing the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, better known worldwide as the “Bangkok Rules.”
Champion for vulnerable communities
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was equally known for her humanitarian initiatives, particularly the Kamlangjai (“Inspire”) Project, which she founded to improve the lives of female inmates and their children.
The program expanded beyond prison welfare to provide vocational training, healthcare, and rehabilitation opportunities, reflecting her long-held belief that justice should be accompanied by dignity and second chances.
Her Royal Highness also maintained an active military role within the Royal Security Command, ultimately serving as Deputy Commander after earlier appointments as Chief of Staff of the King’s Close Bodyguard Command.
Thailand in mourning
His Majesty the King has graciously commanded that the princess receive the highest royal funeral honors in accordance with longstanding tradition, with her remains lying in state at Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall inside Bangkok’s Grand Palace.
Members of the public have been invited to participate in the funeral bathing ceremony before the princess’s portrait at Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion on June 13th, after which they will be able to pay their respects and sign a book of condolences at the Grand Palace.
The Cabinet has declared a 15-day official mourning period for government personnel and ordered flags at government buildings and educational institutions to be flown at half-mast nationwide.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to lead Cabinet ministers in the ceremonial offering of bathing water and in paying respects before the princess’s portrait on Saturday morning.
Prime Minister addresses the nation
In his statement addressed to the nation, Anutin described the princess as “beloved, respected, and deeply revered” across Thailand, praising her compassion, exceptional ability, and lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity.
He further stated that her achievements as a legal scholar, diplomat, and social worker would continue to inspire future generations, calling on Thais to honor her memory through acts of kindness and service to others.
For the Thai people and indeed the world, Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s deeply committed efforts to strengthen the rule of law, promote compassion, and advocate for society’s most vulnerable have left an indelible mark on humanity, reflecting a lifetime devoted to public service and the pursuit of justice.
Teerin Julsawad