by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

BANGKOK (Worthy News) – Thailand was mourning Friday after Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died at the age of 47, the Royal Palace confirmed.

The princess had been hospitalized since December 2022 after collapsing due to a heart condition. Her health later deteriorated because of multiple complications, and she died Thursday evening, according to palace officials.

Known in Thailand as “Princess Bha,” she was the only child from the king’s first marriage and was regarded as one of the kingdom’s most prominent royals.

Mourners gathered at Bangkok’s King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and the Grand Palace to pay their respects, many carrying portraits of the late princess.

DIPLOMAT AND RIGHTS ADVOCATE

A trained prosecutor, diplomat, and legal scholar, Bajrakitiyabha earned advanced law degrees from Cornell University in the United States and later served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria.

She also worked with the United Nations and became a prominent advocate for women’s rights and improved conditions for female prisoners.

She once told an audience at Cornell University: “I am a hybrid,” explaining how she combined the roles of prosecutor, lawyer, and diplomat.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the princess was “loved, respected and admired by people throughout the kingdom” and praised her dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity.

ROYAL FUNERAL PLANNED

The Royal Palace said Princess Bajrakitiyabha will lie in state at Bangkok’s Grand Palace and receive funeral rites with the highest royal honors in accordance with tradition.

The government announced that official buildings across Thailand will fly flags at half-staff for 15 days as a mark of respect.

A royal procession carrying her body is scheduled to move from the hospital to the Grand Palace, where traditional ceremonies will be conducted.

Thailand’s monarchy remains one of the country’s most influential institutions, with the royal family holding a central place in national life.

SUCCESSION QUESTIONS REMAIN

Her death is likely to renew attention on Thailand’s royal succession. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 73, has seven children from four marriages but has not publicly designated an heir.

Under Thailand’s succession laws, male descendants are generally favored.

Discussion of the monarchy remains highly sensitive in Thailand, where strict lese-majeste laws carry prison sentences of up to 15 years per offense for insulting or defaming the royal family.

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