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.