Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, eldest daughter of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died at 19:48 local time on June 11, 2026, at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok, ending nearly four years in a coma. [1, 2]
The 47-year-old collapsed in December 2022 while training military dogs due to a heart condition linked to a mycoplasma infection that caused loss of consciousness. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 2, 7] Her health deteriorated with multiple infections affecting her lungs, kidneys, and intestines. She was kept alive on medical devices before passing away. [1, 5, 6, 2, 7]
Educated in law with a doctorate from Cornell University, Bajrakitiyabha served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, a UN goodwill ambassador, and an advocate for prison reform. [1, 5, 6, 2, 7] She held the rank of army general and was chief of staff in the Royal Security Command under the king since 2021. [1, 6, 2, 7]
On April 2026, she developed a stomach infection that further worsened organ function and caused low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. [5, 6, 7] Just weeks before her death, royal officials reported her condition declined amid serious infections despite intensive care. [6, 7]
The princess’s death adds uncertainty around royal succession. King Vajiralongkorn, now 73, has not named an heir. Though Thai custom favors male successors, a 1974 constitutional amendment permits female heirs. [1, 5, 8, 9, 10] Among the king's seven children, only three hold royal titles, including Bajrakitiyabha and Prince Dipangkorn, the youngest son and presumed heir. [5, 8, 9, 10]
Discussion of succession is highly restricted by Thailand’s lese majeste laws, which carry harsh penalties. [5, 8, 9, 10] The government declared a 15-day mourning period and ordered flags flown at half mast. [2, 11] On June 13, hundreds of mourners gathered at the royal palace to await the princess’s body as funeral preparations began. [11, 10]
Mourner Donnapha Kladbupha said, "When it comes to saying goodbye, it’s not easy for us… monarchy represented unity for Thai people during times of distress." [11] Another mourner, 79-year-old Nitikan Tephakham, expressed sadness and hope for a miracle when the princess fell ill. [11]
Singapore’s president, prime minister, and foreign minister expressed condolences to Thailand following the princess’s death. [12]
The royal palace has announced plans for funeral rites in coming days. The mourning period will last until the end of June. [2, 11]
