India extends condolences as Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies after 3-year coma at 47
Bangkok, June 12
India on Friday expressed condolences on the demise of Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, who died at the age of 47 after being in a coma for three years following a prolonged illness.
The Embassy of India in Bangkok extended its condolences to the Thai Royal Family and the people of Thailand.
"The Embassy of India in Bangkok extends its deepest condolences on the sad passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita. At this hour of profound loss, our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty the King, The Royal Family, and the people of Thailand. The enduring contributions of Her Royal Highness in public service and diplomacy will be fondly remembered."
Thailand's Government Public Relations Department and the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed the death of the princess, calling her a national figure of service and respect.
"Thailand mourns the loss of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who passed away on 11 June 2026. Her lifelong dedication and service to the nation leave behind a legacy that will endure for generations," the Thai government said in a post on X.
The Royal Household Bureau said the princess died on Thursday evening at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, where she had been under continuous medical care, the Bangkok Post reported.
The Bureau said she died peacefully at 7.48 pm on Thursday despite ongoing treatment by doctors who had closely monitored her condition.
The princess had been hospitalised since December 15, 2022, after collapsing due to a heart-related condition while training her companion dog in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima province.
Her condition worsened over time due to a severe infection that affected multiple organ systems, according to official statements.
Doctors had earlier detected an abdominal infection caused by inflammation of the large intestine, which led to complications including low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and abnormal blood clotting. Her condition gradually deteriorated in recent months.
Further as per the Bangkok Post, following her death, King Maha Vajiralongkorn has directed that royal funeral rites be held with the highest honours in accordance with royal tradition. The princess will lie in state at Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
Born on December 7, 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described her as "a pride of Thailand," adding that her "commitment to building a society of kindness, justice and equality will forever remain as a moral legacy for the nation."
The princess was known for her public service and legal work, particularly her Kamlangjai or "Inspire" campaign focused on rehabilitating women prisoners and supporting their reintegration into society, Al Jazeera added in its report.
She studied law at Cornell University and worked in Thailand's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York in the early 2000s.
She later served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014 and as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in 2017.
Al Jazeera reported that her work contributed to the adoption of the UN "Bangkok Rules" in 2010, setting standards for the treatment of women prisoners. Mourners gathered at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok following the announcement of her death, paying tribute to her public service legacy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Rest in peace, Princess. Three years in coma is heartbreaking for the family. As someone who lost a parent recently, I understand the pain of royal family. Thailand has our full solidarity. 🇮🇳🤝🇹🇭
She was just 47!! So young. Her work for women prisoners is something India should learn from. Our rehab programs are a joke honestly. Respect to Thailand for handling this with dignity.
I appreciate India's gesture but honestly, do we need to comment on every royal death globally? Our country has bigger problems—poverty, unemployment. But yes, condolences anyway. May her soul attain sadgati.
Heart goes out to King Maha Vajiralongkorn losing his daughter. She studied law at Cornell and served as UN ambassador—true global citizen. The Canberra Rules reform for women prisoners is iconic. RIP Princess.
Three years in coma after collapsing while training her dog—so tragic. The abdominal infection and multi-organ failure sounds horrible. Thailand's strict monarchy protocol means a grand funeral ahead. Om Shanti.
As someone who studied international law, the Bangkok Rules are brilliant. She was a visionary. But I wonder—will Thailand's royal family
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