Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Advocate for Justice and Women’s Rights, Dies at 47
Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and one of the country’s most prominent royals, has died at the age of 47 after spending nearly three years in hospital following a prolonged illness.
The Bureau of the Royal Household announced that the princess passed away on Thursday evening at a Bangkok hospital, where she had been receiving treatment since collapsing in December 2022.
Her death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Thailand, with tributes pouring in from government leaders, members of the royal establishment and ordinary citizens who admired her commitment to public service and legal reform.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described the princess as “a pride of Thailand”, saying her dedication to justice, equality and compassion would remain an enduring legacy for future generations.
Nation Mourns Beloved Royal
Following the announcement, mourners gathered at Bangkok’s King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where the princess had spent her final years under medical care. Many carried photographs and portraits of Bajrakitiyabha, remembering a royal who maintained an active public presence for much of her life.
Several supporters expressed sadness that hopes for her recovery had ultimately not been realised despite years of treatment and public prayers.
The princess had remained largely out of public view since suffering a medical emergency while training dogs for an army exhibition in late 2022. The palace later said she had developed complications related to a mycoplasma infection, a bacterial illness often associated with respiratory disease.
Lawyer, Diplomat and Reform Advocate
Born on December 7, 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha carved out a distinguished career beyond her royal responsibilities.
After studying law at Thammasat University, she pursued advanced legal education at Cornell University in the United States, earning both a master’s degree and a doctorate. Her academic work focused on criminal justice and the protection of the rights of accused individuals.
She began her professional career at Thailand’s mission to the United Nations before returning home to serve as a public prosecutor.
Her diplomatic credentials later expanded when she was appointed Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, a role she held from 2012 to 2014 before returning to focus on legal and social welfare initiatives.
Champion of Prison Reform
Among her most significant contributions was her work on criminal justice reform, particularly efforts aimed at improving conditions for women in prison. Princess Bajrakitiyabha founded the Kamlangjai, or “Inspire”, initiative, which sought to help incarcerated women prepare for life after release and reintegrate into society.
She also advocated for better treatment of female inmates and greater protections for women affected by violence and social inequality.
Her efforts earned international recognition and contributed to the adoption of the United Nations’ “Bangkok Rules”, a landmark framework that established global standards for the treatment of women prisoners and female offenders.
In recognition of her work, she was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2017.
A Royal with a Wider Role
As King Vajiralongkorn’s eldest child, Bajrakitiyabha occupied a prominent place within Thailand’s royal family.
Although Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti remains the presumptive heir under Thailand’s succession traditions, the princess’s experience in public administration, diplomacy and law led many observers to view her as a key figure in the monarchy’s future.
Throughout her public life, she consistently championed the importance of the rule of law, arguing that justice and stability were essential foundations for national development and human rights.
Her death marks the loss of a royal who combined public duty with professional achievement, earning respect both within Thailand and internationally.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha is survived by her parents and siblings. She leaves behind a legacy defined by legal reform, public service and a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities.
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