"We Have Lost an Outstanding Figure": Thai Princess Dies After Four Years in Coma

Passed Away at 47

Collapsed in 2022 and Remained in a Coma

On June 12, the Thai royal family announced that Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has passed away.

The BBC reported the same day, "The princess collapsed during a military dog training event in December 2022," adding, "Doctors at the time determined that she lost consciousness due to heart disease and other infections."

The princess waving to supporters in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2020. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Citing the official royal statement, the BBC said, "Although the medical team provided close and intensive care, her condition did not improve. After being in a coma for over three years, she passed away at the age of 47." The report continued, "The Thai royal family stated they have lost an outstanding individual."

She was the first child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Queen Soamsawali. She was also the first grandchild of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

The Thai royal family issued a statement on May 21 announcing that her condition worsened in April due to complications from an infection.

People in Thailand are holding photos of the Thai princess in Bangkok. Photo by AP Yonhap News.

The BBC also reported, "From 2012 to 2014, she served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, where she built relationships with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)," adding, "She advocated for penal reform with a focus on vulnerable women in prison." Her abilities had been cited as making her a strong candidate for succession to the throne.

Meanwhile, King Vajiralongkorn, who is 73 years old, has not yet named a successor. According to Thai tradition, the heir is expected to be male, but a 1974 constitutional amendment also allows for female succession to the throne.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.