Princess Narisara of the Thai Royal Family dies at the age of 47

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) of Thailand, passed away at the age of 47 after being in a coma for over three and a half years. The Thai Royal Bureau officially announced that she passed away while receiving treatment at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok.

Her demise occurred on June 11th at 7:48 PM local time (12:48 PM GMT), and the official announcement was released on June 12th. In accordance with Thai tradition, the King has ordered that the highest royal funeral honors be accorded to the Princess, and all arrangements have been made to lay her body in the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, also known by her nicknames "Pa" or "Patty," was born on December 7, 1978, in Bangkok. She was the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali. As the first granddaughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit, she held a very high standing within the Chakri Dynasty. The Princess received her primary and junior secondary education at Rajini School in Thailand, and later pursued her secondary education at Heathfield School in England and Chitralada School. Subsequently, in 2000, she earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Thammasat University and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Relations from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. For further education, she enrolled at Cornell Law School in the United States, obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in 2002 and a Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) in 2005. In 2012, she was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.

The Princess led a distinguished professional life as a lawyer, diplomat, and an activist advocating for women's rights within the justice system. She briefly served as a legal associate at Baker McKenzie in Washington D.C. and at the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations in New York. Later, she worked as a prosecutor in the Attorney General's Office in Bangkok and Udon Thani. From 2012 to 2014, she served as the Thai Ambassador to Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In 2021, she was transferred to the Royal Security Command Headquarters as Chief of Staff of the King's Close Bodyguard, holding the rank of General. She made a significant contribution to the adoption of the "Bangkok Rules," recognized by the United Nations in 2010, aimed at mitigating the difficulties faced by female prisoners in male-centric prison systems. Furthermore, she spearheaded special programs such as the "Kamlangjai" (Encouragement) project and "Enhancing Lives of Female Inmates" (ELFI) for female prisoners, including pregnant women.

Her active contributions came to an unexpected halt in late 2022. On December 14 of that year, while training her dogs for a dog championship organized by the Royal Thai Army in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima province, she suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. This was attributed to a severe heart condition (Arrhythmia) linked to inflammation of the heart caused by a Mycoplasma infection. Initially treated at Pak Chong Nana Hospital, she was later transferred to Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. From then on, she remained in a prolonged coma, supported by medical equipment for lung and kidney function. Official information regarding her health condition was limited for several years, and in August 2025, the palace reported a severe infection in her bloodstream. Subsequently, in May 2026, her condition worsened due to an uncontrollable abdominal infection caused by inflammation of the large intestine, leading to multiple organ complications, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and blood clotting, ultimately paving the way for her demise.

With the news of this tragic event, a profound atmosphere of mourning has enveloped all of Thailand. Public prayer services, tributes, and expressions of sorrow are widespread across the country for the Princess, who had won the affection of the people as a pioneering royal member dedicated to justice and public service. Currently, the Royal Palace and the government are jointly organizing the funeral rites, and an official period of mourning has begun in the country. As Princess Bajrakitiyabha was once considered a successor to the throne, her passing has reignited discussions about the Thai royal succession. However, at this moment, the entire nation's attention is focused on respectfully celebrating her invaluable contributions and legacy.