Thailand Mourns the Loss of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol

On June 12, 2026, Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, a respected lawyer and the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, passed away at the age of 47. The Bureau of the Royal Household announced her death, noting she had been in a Bangkok hospital since falling ill three years prior.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed the nation’s grief in a televised address, recognizing the princess as “a pride of Thailand” for her unwavering dedication to values such as kindness, justice, and equality. Her efforts in social reform left a lasting legacy. The princess will lie in state at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, with her funeral conducted in accordance with royal traditions and honors.

In May, her health had worsened, requiring medical intervention to support her lung and kidney functions. Despite the deterioration, mourners gathered at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, many holding cherished photos of the princess. Grief-stricken individuals, like Pattamaporn Kaewkityakorn, recalled the moment they heard of her passing with a sense of disbelief and sorrow.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was pivotal in justice reform, particularly known for her “Kamlangjai” or “Inspire” initiative which aimed at rehabilitating incarcerated Thai women. Her dedication to social issues extended beyond national borders as demonstrated by her roles in the U.N., most notably her involvement in the “Bangkok Rules” for female prisoners.

Her educational background was impressive, with a law degree from Thammasat University followed by a master’s and a doctorate from Cornell University. Her academic achievements led to the establishment of scholarships and programs fostering legal exchanges between Thailand and Cornell.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s career spanned various roles, from working at Thailand’s U.N. mission in New York to serving as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria. Her focus later shifted to domestic issues, particularly criminal justice. In 2017, she took on the role of goodwill ambassador for the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, continuing her advocacy for women’s rights and legal reform.

Bajrakitiyabha’s legacy endures through her contributions to law and humanitarian efforts. She advocated for stability and justice as cornerstones of societal development, emphasizing the importance of a strong legal system.

The princess is survived by her family, including her parents and siblings. Her passing is a significant loss for Thailand, marking the end of a life devoted to bettering her country and its people.