Thailand’s Bureau of the Royal Household has announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, Krom Luang Rajasarini Siribajra Mahavajrarajadhida, died on 11 June 2026 at 7.48pm at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok. She was 47 years old.

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The announcement stated that the Princess had remained under medical care since 15 December 2022 after collapsing from a cardiac condition and losing consciousness. Updates had been issued periodically by the Bureau of the Royal Household throughout her treatment.

According to the latest statement, her condition deteriorated significantly from 21 May 2026. Doctors reported an infection in the abdominal cavity caused by inflammation of the large intestine, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, and abnormal blood clotting.

The Bureau said medical teams provided intensive treatment and monitoring, but her condition continued to worsen. Despite all efforts by physicians, she died peacefully on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on 7 December 1978 at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Dusit Palace. She was the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsawali, and the first grandchild of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.

She received her early education in Thailand before studying in the United Kingdom and later earning law degrees from Thammasat University, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, and Cornell University in the United States. She completed both a Doctor of Juridical Science degree and qualification as a Thai barrister in 2005.

Throughout her career, she served as a public prosecutor, ambassador and senior royal representative. She was also known for founding the Inspire Project in 2007, which focused on supporting female prisoners, pregnant inmates and children living in correctional facilities.

In addition to her legal and diplomatic work, she chaired Friends in Need (of “Pa”) Volunteers Foundation under the Thai Red Cross Society and supported numerous social welfare and disaster relief initiatives. She also established a scholarship programme for Thai law graduates to pursue postgraduate legal studies at Cornell Law School.

Khaosod reported that the announcement stated that King Vajiralongkorn has ordered the Royal Household Bureau to arrange royal funeral rites with the highest honours in accordance with royal tradition. Her body will lie in state at Pimarn Rattaya Hall within the Grand Palace.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 12 June 2026

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