Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has passed away at 47 after a prolonged illness. The royal palace announced her death on Friday, more than three years after she was hospitalized in December 2022.
According to the Bureau of the Royal Household, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was suffering from an abdominal infection and her condition continued to worsen until her peaceful passing on Thursday evening.
The princess, known as 'Princess Bha' in Thailand, will lie in state at the Grand Palace in Bangkok and her funeral will be held with the highest honors according to royal tradition.
As a trained prosecutor and diplomat, Princess Bajrakitiyabha held various positions, including serving as Thailand's ambassador to Austria and advocating for women's rights.
The 73-year-old king has not announced his chosen heir, though succession rules favor men. Strict rules govern what can and cannot be said about the Thai royal family, who are protected from criticism by lese-majeste laws.
