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.
The Royal Correspondent 