Thailand is mourning the loss of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who passed away on 11 June 2026 at the age of 47.
According to official statements, Princess Bajrakitiyabha had been receiving intensive medical care since suffering a cardiac event in December 2022 while out walking her dogs. The princess had been in a coma for more than three years, and despite ongoing treatment from a team of specialists, her condition continued to deteriorate, and she passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok.
Born on 7 December 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest child of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsawali. Widely known in Thailand by her nickname ‘Princess Pa’ (also ‘Patty’), she was respected not only for her royal duties but also for her professional accomplishments in law, diplomacy, and public service.
The princess pursued higher education in law and went on to earn postgraduate qualifications from Cornell University in the United States. Following her studies, she worked at Thailand’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York before returning to Thailand to serve in the Office of the Attorney General.
Her legal background shaped much of her later work. Throughout her career, Princess Bajrakitiyabha demonstrated a strong commitment to justice, social welfare, and the rule of law. Her expertise and dedication led to several significant appointments both within Thailand and internationally.
Between 2012 and 2014, she served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria. During this period, she developed close ties with international organisations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Her work with the UNODC would become one of the defining aspects of her public life.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, particularly concerning the welfare of women in prison. She worked to raise awareness of the challenges faced by female inmates and supported programmes aimed at rehabilitation, education, and reintegration into society. Her efforts earned international recognition and reinforced Thailand’s engagement with global initiatives focused on human rights and legal reform.
In recognition of her expertise and commitment, she later served as the UNODC’s Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia. Through this role, she promoted greater understanding of justice issues and encouraged cooperation between countries across the region.
Alongside her legal and diplomatic responsibilities, Princess Bajrakitiyabha carried out numerous royal engagements on behalf of the Thai monarchy. She was actively involved in charitable projects, educational initiatives, and community development programmes throughout Thailand. In 2021, she was appointed chief of staff in the King’s private bodyguard unit and held the rank of general.
Known for her disciplined lifestyle, the princess was also a keen athlete who regularly participated in long-distance running and cycling events. Her enthusiasm for fitness and public service contributed to her popularity among many Thais.
As Thailand pays tribute to her life and work, Princess Bajrakitiyabha will be remembered for her dedication to public service, her advocacy for vulnerable members of society, and her commitment to improving the lives of others.
