Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol has passed away at the age of 47, as confirmed by the Bureau of the Royal Household. Her death occurred on Thursday evening at a Bangkok hospital, where she had been receiving treatment since she fell unconscious due to illness three years ago. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed the nation’s grief, calling the princess “a pride of Thailand” and highlighting her commitment to justice and equality. Following royal tradition, she will lie in state at the Grand Palace, and her funeral will be conducted with the highest honors. The princess had been hospitalized since December 2022 due to a mycoplasma infection and had been reliant on medical support for her lung and kidney functions.
Why It Matters
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was a significant figure in Thailand’s royal family and was known for her advocacy in justice reform and women’s rights. Her Kamlangjai project aimed to rehabilitate incarcerated women, and she played a crucial role in influencing policies related to female prisoners, contributing to the adoption of the “Bangkok Rules” by the U.N. General Assembly. The princess’s education included a law degree from Thammasat University and a doctorate from Cornell University, underscoring her commitment to legal reform in Thailand. Her passing raises questions about the future role of women in the Thai monarchy, particularly in the context of succession, where her younger brother is the presumptive heir.
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