Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati has sadly passed away at the age of 47, according to an announcement from the royal palace.
The princess, affectionately known as Princess Pa, was the firstborn of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn. She was hospitalized in December 2022 after losing consciousness due to a heart condition.
Tragically, she died on the evening of Thursday, June 11, as her health declined from an intra-abdominal infection, colitis, low blood pressure, arrhythmias, and blood clotting issues, as stated.
Born on December 7, 1978, the princess actively engaged in initiatives to enhance the well-being of female inmates and had a remarkable career in diplomacy.
Princess Pa pursued a law degree at Cornell University, earning both a Master’s and a Doctorate. She practiced law at the Thai Office of the Attorney-General from 2006 to 2011.
Between 2012 and 2014, she served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia before returning to a role at the attorney-general’s office in Bangkok.
Additionally, she established a charitable organization advocating for the rights of incarcerated women, particularly those who were pregnant while imprisoned.
In 2017, Bajrakitiyabha was designated as the goodwill ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia by the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
In 2021, she transitioned to the military, attaining the rank of general and fulfilling the role of chief of staff in the Royal Security Command.
As one of the king’s three eligible children to ascend the throne under the constitutional provisions, the princess held a significant position in the royal lineage.
The palace will conduct royal funeral ceremonies, while it is anticipated that the government will declare a period of national mourning.