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Royal Family of Thailand

Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand Dies at 47 After Years in Coma

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  • Photo courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand
  • Press release courtesy of the Bureau of the Royal Household of Thailand
  • Press release courtesy of the Bureau of the Royal Household of Thailand
  • Portrait courtesy of the Bureau of the Royal Household of Thailand

In Bangkok, the Bureau of the Royal Household of Thailand has announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati of Thailand passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, following complications arising from a severe abdominal infection. She was 47 years old.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali, remained in a coma after collapsing while training with her dog at Nakhon Ratchasima Park on December 15, 2022.

On May 21st, 2026,  the Bureau of the Royal Household issued a new medical bulletin regarding the condition of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, stating that she had developed a severe abdominal infection that had led to further deterioration in her condition.

According to the statement, physicians treating the Princess at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital discovered an infection in the abdominal cavity in April 2026 caused by inflammation of the colon. 

The Bureau of the Royal Household stated that the infection resulted in instability in the Princess’s condition, including low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, abnormal blood clotting, and complications affecting several major organ systems.

The statement added that doctors had continued intensive treatment, including respiratory and renal support, multiple antibiotics, medications to maintain blood pressure, and treatment intended to regulate heart rhythm. 

Despite these measures, the Bureau of the Royal Household stated that the infection remained severe, uncontrolled, and continued to interfere with the function of multiple vital organs.

Since her hospitalization, the Bureau of the Royal Household has periodically released medical bulletins detailing complications related to infection and organ function. 

On August 9th, 2025, the Bureau announced that the then-46-year-old Princess had developed a severe bloodstream infection. Her medical team began administering multiple antibiotics along with medications to maintain stable blood pressure.

A further update issued on August 31st, 2025, reported that the infection had improved and that her blood pressure had stabilized following the discontinuation of medications used to support blood pressure. Physicians noted that antibiotics would continue to be administered to control the infection and that respiratory and renal support would be provided as needed.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on December 7th, 1978, and is widely regarded as one of the most academically accomplished members of the Royal Family of Thailand. She earned a law degree in Thailand before completing an LL.M. and later a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) at Cornell Law School at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. During her time abroad and after returning to Thailand, she supported legal scholarship and programmes that strengthened international academic exchange.

After completing her legal studies, she served in the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand. Much of her professional work focused on criminal justice reform, especially the treatment of women in prison systems. She played a central role in the development and international adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, commonly known as the Bangkok Rules.

Her diplomatic experience includes assignments with Thailand’s Permanent Mission in Vienna, Austria, as well as responsibilities associated with United Nations bodies. In 2017, she was appointed a UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia.

Before her hospitalization, the Princess carried out numerous official duties, including work with the Royal Security Command, participation in events related to legal reform and social welfare, and programmes focused on the rehabilitation of women offenders.  She also presided over ceremonies and represented Thailand in international forums related to her legal and diplomatic commitments.

The Bureau of the Royal Household stated that His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has ordered that the Princess receive the highest royal funeral honors in accordance with royal tradition.

Her remains will lie in state at Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall within the Grand Palace.

Members of the public will be permitted to pay their respects beginning June 13th, while additional mourning and funeral ceremonies will continue in the coming weeks according to arrangements announced by the Bureau of the Royal Household.

My deepest condolences to His Majesty the King, members of the royal family, and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Headlines, Royal Family of Thailand

Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand Appointed Grand Officier of the Légion d’honneur by Decree of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron

  • Photos courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand
  • Photos courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand
  • Photos courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand
  • Photos courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand
  • Photos courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand
  • Photos courtesy of H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand

In Paris, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand was appointed Grand Officier of the Légion d’honneur during a ceremony at the Ministère de la Culture of the French Republic.  

On January 26th, 2026, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, signed a decree awarding the honor in recognition of the Princess’s contributions to promoting French culture in Thailand and advancing cultural relations between the French Republic and the Kingdom of Thailand.

Established by Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte on May 19th, 1802, the Légion d’honneur remains the highest national order of the French Republic and is awarded in recognition of distinguished military or civil service to France.

The order is divided into three ranks: Chevalier, Officier, and Commandeur, along with two higher dignities: Grand Officier and Grand-Croix. The rank of Grand Officier is the second-highest dignity within the order.

According to the Grande Chancellerie de la Légion d’honneur, foreign nationals may receive the distinction in recognition of cultural, scientific, economic, or diplomatic contributions connected to the French Republic and French interests abroad.

The honour has historically been awarded to members of foreign royal families, heads of state, diplomats, and internationally prominent cultural figures as part of the French Republic’s broader diplomatic and cultural relations.

Several members of the Royal Family of Thailand have previously received the Légion d’honneur, including King Mongkut of Siam, who received the Grand-Croix in 1863, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who received the Grand-Croix in 1960, Princess Galyani Vadhana, who received the rank of Grand Officier in 2007, and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who also received the rank of Grand Officier.  

The honor comes as the French Republic and the Kingdom of Thailand mark the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, as well as the 340th anniversary of the first recorded relations between Siam and France.

Royal Family of Thailand

Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand Develops Severe Infection as Condition Deteriorates, Royal Household Says

  • Portrait courtesy of the Bureau of the Royal Household of Thailand

In Bangkok, the Bureau of the Royal Household of Thailand issued a new medical bulletin regarding the condition of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand, stating that the Princess has developed a severe abdominal infection that has led to further deterioration in her condition.

According to the statement, physicians treating the Princess at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital discovered an infection in the abdominal cavity in April 2026 caused by inflammation of the colon. The Bureau stated that the infection resulted in instability in the Princess’s condition, including low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, abnormal blood clotting, and complications affecting several major organ systems.

The statement added that doctors have continued intensive treatment, including respiratory and renal support, multiple antibiotics, medications to maintain blood pressure, and treatment intended to regulate heart rhythm. Despite these measures, the Bureau stated that the infection remains severe and uncontrolled and continues to interfere with the function of multiple vital organs.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali, has remained in a coma since December 15, 2022, after collapsing while training with her dog at Nakhon Ratchasima Park.

Since her hospitalization, the Bureau of the Royal Household has periodically released medical bulletins detailing complications related to infection and organ function. 

On August 9th, 2025, the Bureau announced that the then-46-year-old Princess had developed a severe bloodstream infection. Her medical team began administering multiple antibiotics along with medications to maintain stable blood pressure.

A further update issued on August 31st, 2025, reported that the infection had improved and that her blood pressure had stabilized following the discontinuation of medications used to support blood pressure. Physicians noted that antibiotics would continue to be administered to control the infection and that respiratory and renal support would be provided as needed. The Princess remains under close medical observation, and the Bureau of the Royal Household has stated that additional updates will be released should her condition change.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on December 7th, 1978, and is widely regarded as one of the most academically accomplished members of the Royal Family of Thailand. She earned a law degree in Thailand before completing an LL.M. and later a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) at Cornell Law School at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. During her time abroad and after returning to Thailand, she supported legal scholarship and programmes that strengthened international academic exchange.

After completing her legal studies, she served in the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand. Much of her professional work focused on criminal justice reform, especially the treatment of women in prison systems. She played a central role in the development and international adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, commonly known as the Bangkok Rules.

Her diplomatic experience includes assignments with Thailand’s Permanent Mission in Vienna, Austria, as well as responsibilities associated with United Nations bodies. In 2017, she was appointed a UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia.

Before her hospitalization, the Princess carried out numerous official duties, including work with the Royal Security Command, participation in events related to legal reform and social welfare, and programmes focused on the rehabilitation of women offenders. She also presided over ceremonies and represented Thailand in international forums related to her legal and diplomatic commitments.

Royal Family of Thailand

Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand Turns 47: A Biography of Her Life and Work.

Portrait courtesy of the Bureau of the Royal Household of Thailand

In Bangkok, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati of Thailand turns 47 today.

The Princess is the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun of Thailand (Rama X) and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali.

On December 15th, 2022, the Princess collapsed and lost consciousness while training with her dog at Nakhon Ratchasima Park, outside the Bangkok city center. She was transported to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where she has remained in a coma since her admission.

On August 9th, 2025, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced that the then 46-year-old Princess had developed a severe bloodstream infection. Her medical team began administering multiple antibiotics along with medications to maintain stable blood pressure.

A further update issued on August 31st, 2025, reported that the infection had improved and that her blood pressure had stabilized following the discontinuation of blood-pressure-stimulating medication. Physicians noted that antibiotics would continue to be administered to control the infection and that respiratory and renal support would be provided as needed. The Princess remains under close medical observation, and the Royal Household has stated that additional updates will be released should her condition change.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on December 7th, 1978, and is widely regarded as one of the most academically accomplished members of the Royal Family of Thailand. She earned a law degree in Thailand before completing an LL.M. and later a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) at Cornell Law School at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. During her time abroad and after returning to Thailand, she supported legal scholarship and programmes that strengthened international academic exchange.

After completing her legal studies, she served in the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand. Much of her professional work focused on criminal justice reform, especially the treatment of women in prison systems. She played a central role in the development and international adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, commonly known as the Bangkok Rules.

Her diplomatic experience includes assignments with Thailand’s Permanent Mission in Vienna, Austria, as well as responsibilities associated with United Nations bodies. In 2017, she was appointed a UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia.

Before her hospitalization, the Princess carried out numerous official duties, including work with the Royal Security Command, participation in events related to legal reform and social welfare, and programmes focused on the rehabilitation of women offenders. She also presided over ceremonies and represented Thailand in international forums related to her legal and diplomatic commitments.